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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

Citing UpToDate

UpToDate topics may be cited similarly to book chapters, although there are no page numbers to cite since UpToDate is an online resource. The last updated date should be used for the current year.  For example, in APA style:

Aberg J. A., & Cespedes, M. S. (2022). HIV and women. UpToDate. Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hiv-and-women.
  • Parenthetical citation: (Aberg & Cespedes, 2022)
  • Narrative citation: Aberg and Cespedes (2022)

Notes from APA Style Blog:

  • Articles in the UpToDate database are available only in that database and have information that changes over time.
  • In the reference list, format UpToDate articles like periodical articles. Italicize the database name in the reference like a periodical title, but do not italicize the database name if it appears in the text.
  • Use the year of last update in the date element.
  • Include a retrieval date because the content is designed to change over time and versions of the page are not archived.

Copyright & Fair Use

"We encourage the use of UpToDate materials for teaching purposes. It's important to keep in mind that UpToDate material is protected by copyright. However, topics, graphics, and charts may be reproduced for use as screen shots in slide presentations, or printed for distribution at lectures, courses, and other educational venues within the provisions of our license agreement. Materials must be reproduced directly from UpToDate so that the copyright statement is visible or cited as a source reference (see above) and must be distributed free of charge." (Wolters Kluwer, 2023)

"All UpToDate material is protected by copyright. Permission to reproduce material from UpToDate (including figures, tables, and portions of topics) in another publication must be secured in writing. You must obtain express written consent from UpToDate in order to use on your website any content provided on the UpToDate Website. Download the Permission to Use or Reproduce UpToDate Material request form here." (Wolters Kluwer, 2023)