Using the PEN System Efficiently
How do I search the PEN System?
Use the homepage search bar or search icon, with two modes available depending on your need.
Simple Search: returns all relevant results instantly — best for quick answers
Advanced Search: filter by content type, population, clinical area, and more for precision
Results are ranked by relevance, with sort options for Last Update, Title, or Resource Type
How can I get better search results in the PEN System?
Enter keywords, phrases, or topics related to what you're looking for. PEN's smart search features help you find relevant content—even when the words you enter don't exactly match the words used in a resource.
Use keywords: Search is not case-sensitive. You can enter individual keywords to find relevant results, or use quotation marks to search for an exact phrase, such as "glycemic index".
Use Boolean operators: Think of Population (e.g. cardiovascular disease), Intervention (e.g. omega-3) and Outcome (e.g. lipid). Use AND, OR, or NOT to combine or narrow your search:
AND — finds results containing both terms: cardiovascular disease AND omega-3 AND lipid
OR — finds results containing either term: cardiovascular disease OR lipid
NOT — excludes a term: cardiovascular disease NOT lipid
Use PEN's smart search features — PEN automatically helps broaden your search by recognizing:
Synonyms: folate also finds folacin and folic acid.
Related word forms: cramp also finds cramped, cramps, and cramping.
Spelling corrections: The search bar automatically suggests corrections when a search term is misspelled.
How are my results displayed? Search results are ranked by relevance, making it easier to find the most useful resources first.
On the Left Navigation column, results are sorted as Professional, Consumer, Target Group and Target Country.
On the Right side of the screen, you can also sort your results by: Last updated, Title, Resource Type.
Can't find what you're looking for? Try browsing the Table of Contents to explore PEN's topics and resources.
If you still can't find the information you need, Submit a Content Idea to suggest a topic for PEN.
Can I save favourites and get content updates in the PEN System?
Yes — the PEN System lets you save favourites and receive alerts when content is updated.
My PEN Favourites: click the heart icon beside any resource or content to save it; access saved items from the My PEN Favourites icon. (not available to site-license users)
Content Subscriptions / Alert Frequency - you can schedule how often you want alerts on your favourite content at the bottom of the My Favourite page.
How do I find definitions in the PEN System?
Hover over any double-underlined green term to see its definition in a pop-up.