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 do I get better search results in the PEN System?
Use quotes, Boolean operators, and PEN's built-in smart search features to narrow or broaden results.
Keywords: search is not case-sensitive; use quotes for exact phrases (e.g., "Child Nutrition") or no quotes to find both words anywhere
Boolean operators: AND, OR, NOT (e.g., Child AND Nutrition; Child NOT Nutrition)
Smart synonyms: "folate" also returns folacin and folic acid; "vitamin B2" also returns riboflavin
Word stemming: "cramped" also returns cramps, cramping, cramp
Auto-correction: the search bar suggests corrections automatically
If you still can't find a topic, browse the Table of Contents or Submit a Content Idea
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.