Skip to Main Content

UpToDate Database User Guide

UpToDate® is an evidence-based, physician-authored clinical decision support resource which clinicians trust to make the right point-of-care decisions. More than 5,100 world-renowned physician authors, editors and peer reviewers use a rigorous editorial p

Accessing UpToDate

1) You can access UpToDate by going to APU's main library page at https://www.apu.edu/library/, scroll down and click on "Articles and Databases" then click "All Databases by Subject or Name." 

2) The next page is a list of all our Databases A-Z. Click on the letter "U." then UpToDate. Then on the next page click on "access database" button.

At the top of your screen you may see a notice asking you to accept cookies. If you're OK with that go ahead and click yes.

3) Next you'll likely see the OpenAthens box.

  • For APU patrons (this database is not available for LAPU students), click the TOP part of the box "Log in with your APU CAS account."
  • For nursing preceptors you will need to click the BOTTOM part of the OpenAthens box (the 3rd choice) "OpenAthens Sign in with an OpenAthens account."

If you have any problems logging in, please click on Report a Problem in the footer.  

5) You may want to create an UTD account. After you click to go into the UpToDate database, in the upper right corner you'll likely see this. 

Click Log in! if you have already registered. 

Click Register if you haven't registered, and click Log In if you already registered. 

6) Then click on OpenAthens

To consolidate your OpenAthens account with your personal account follow the directions on the Libguide

7) If you have not registered, Fill out the form. In order to benefit from all of UpToDate's features, you'll need to do this. One feature is having access to their mobile app.

As you use UpToDate, know that you must verify your APU affiliation every 90 days by logging into UpToDate from an in-network  APU computer or on a mobile device connected to the APU Wi-Fi. Five days before the expiration date, UpToDate will send you an e-mail reminder to re-verify your account. Also, content in the app must be updated when prompted.

7) To get UpToDate on your smart phone, Go to the iTunes or Google Play Store or search for it in the stores to download the App. More information on the Mobile app can be found here.

Merging your UpToDate personal account with your APU OpenAthens account

To merge your APU Library Open Athens account and your existing personal UTD account, please complete the following:

Follow the steps below to merge your Open Athens account with your previous/existing UpToDate account.

  1. Go to UpToDate
  2. Click on the "Open Athens Log in" link
  3. Log in using your Open Athens credentials
    • New users will need to complete the registration form on the landing page
    • Existing users (no registration page), please click on “My Account” (upper right side near CME and name)
  4. You will then select "Consolidate Accounts"
  5. You will then enter the UpToDate credentials for your previous/existing account
  6. Complete the consolidation/merge
  7. Log out and close the browser
  8. Open a new browser window
  9. Repeat steps 1 - 3 to access complete the re-verification.

Using the Mobile App

The UpToDate app is a point-of-care reference tool that allows you to access evidence-based health information wherever you are. It includes topic summaries, recommendations, drug monographs, images and graphics and more. 

Note: available for download on up to two devices per person.

Key Features of the App:

  • Persistent login
  • Easy search with auto-completion
  • Bookmarks and history 
  • Mobile-optimized medical calculators
  • Print and email topics and graphics

First, follow the directions above under "Accessing UpToDate".

Download the UpToDate Mobile app

iOS® users: The UpToDate Mobile App for iOS works with any iPhone® or iPad® running the latest two versions of iOS.

Android™ users: The UpToDate Mobile App for Android works with Android devices running the latest two versions of Android OS that have at least 50 MB of free phone memory. SD card installation is supported.

Set up the UpToDate Mobile app

  • Open the app
  • Log in using you UpToDate credentials
  • Accept the license agreement

Managing Your Account

Changing UTD Account Affiliation

Once your current access to UpToDate has ended, you can use your existing username/password to register your account through the new institution, as long as they allow that type of access to UpToDate.