Frequently asked questions

This site

Which browser settings do I need?: BMJ Clinical Evidence is committed to supporting 5.0+ browsers, although 4.0 versions are mostly supported. We recommend using a 5.0+ browser, as they are faster at certain operations, more reliable, and support more features that BMJ Clinical Evidence uses. The minimim screen resolution is set to 800 x 600.
When I click on print review, why does the pdf open up as a binary type display?: This may be because you are using web browser Netscape 4. Netscape 4 is not compatible with versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader 4 or older, hence the appearance of a binary type display. Adobe Acrobat Reader 5 is available to install from www.adobe.com.
How up-to-date is the online edition?: The online edition of BMJ Clinical Evidence is updated on a bi-monthly basis. New or updated reviews are highlighted on our homepage. We aim to put new or updated reviews on the website twice a month. The continuous production process means that reviews go online as soon as they are updated.
I am a personal/student/nurse subscriber to the BMJ Clinical Evidence Handbook. Am I entitled to online access?: Online access can be added to your print handoook subscription for a small additional charge. Please see our products section for more information.
We are an institutional subscriber to the BMJ Clinical Evidence Handbook. How can we get online access?: Online access for the entire site can be added to your print subscription. The price is based in your number of FTEs. Please contact our sales team for a quote.
I have a personal/student/nurse BMJ Clinical Evidence subscription. How do I activate my online access?: Visit the activate your account page. You will be asked for your customer number.
Where can I find my customer number?: If you subscribe to the BMJ Clinical Evidence Handbook print edition, you will find your customer number is printed on the packaging of your book delivery. It is a six-digit number on the top left-hand corner of the address label. If you have subscribed separately to BMJ Clinical Evidence Online, you will have been notified of your customer number upon subscribing.
What do I do if I can't find, or have forgotten, my customer number?: Call customer service on:
+44 (0)20 7383 6270
Fax: +44 (0)20 7383 6402
Email: CEsubscriptions@bmjgroup.com

North and South America

Tel: +1 800 358 6473 toll free
Fax: +1 205 995 1588
Email: bmj-clinicalevidence@ebsco.com
I am an NHS professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, librarian, manager or other). Can I get online access?: Online access is free to NHS professionals in Scotland and Wales:
Scotland: NHS Scotland e-Library
Wales: Health of Wales Information Service

We regret that free online access through the NHS in England is no longer available.

Any individual or institution can subscribe to BMJ Clinical Evidence. See our products section for more information.
I have been given a free copy of BMJ Clinical Evidence by UHF. Can I get online access?: Yes, if you have received a copy of BMJ Clinical Evidence Handbook from UHF you are also entitled to online access for 12 months from November 2006. Sign up for access now. You will be asked to assign yourself a username and password. Once you have done this you will be given automatic access.
As a subscriber, how long does my online access last?: Your online access lasts for 12 months. You will be notified when you need to renew your subscription.
Can I have a free trial before subscribing?: You may register for a free trial to see a sample review. You can freely browse the index pages or search the site. Once your trial ends, you have the choice of purchasing a subscription to BMJ Clinical Evidence Online. Alternatively, you can purchase access to the online content with pay-per-view or the season ticket.
As an institution can we purchase a limited number of online accesses for concurrent users?: We regret that this option is no longer available.
Can I make orders online?: You can make online payments for the following: BMJ Clinical Evidence Handbook, Online, PDA, Pay-per-view and Season ticket
How do I get pay-per-view or season ticket access?: You can purchase access to Pay-per-view and Season ticket on this website.
How long does pay-per-view access last?: Once you have purchased access to a review through pay-per-view you have access for 48 hours. During this time you can download the whole review. You will be reminded of the amount of time remaining each time you log in.
Within the time period allowed can I access the review I have purchased through pay-per-view from another computer?: Yes, within the 48 hour period you can access the review(s) you have paid for from any computer; all you have to do is log-in with your username and password.
How long does a season ticket last?: A season ticket lasts for 30 days from the day of purchase and allows access to all the current content. You will be reminded of the number of days left each time you log in.
Is VAT payable on online access?: Any tax payable is automatically calculated for you online. Online-only access (i.e. institutional site licence, pay-per-view, season ticket) is subject to 17.5% tax for customers from EU countries; outside the UK, those who provide a VAT registration number do not have to pay tax. Print subscriptions are also subject to tax for customers from certain EU countries and Canada. You will be advised of the rate you have to pay when you make your order.
What is my IP address?: Your IP address is 38.103.63.61
Why don't I get free online access with my subscription to BMJ Clinical Evidence Handbook any more?: We regret that online access is no longer included free of charge with a print subscription. However, a special package price is available if you wish to supplement your print subscription with online access. BMJ Clinical Evidence Online is the best way to access all the best and most up to date medical evidence, and our latest release of new features includes coverage of breaking research findings, drug safety alerts, links to practice guidelines and much more.

What discount will I receive as a BMA member?: If you are a registered BMA member you will receive a 10% discount from the full price on all products (excluding PDA).
What discount will I receive as a BMA registered student member?: All BMA registered student members receive a 50% discount on all products (excluding PDA).
What discount will I receive as a BMA member, foundation year doctor?: As of the 1st October 2007, BMA registered foundation year doctors will be eligible for free access to the online content of BMJ Clinical Evidence
How do I subscribe?: To subscribe and receive your discount, please ensure you have your BMA membership number to hand. Choose the format you require in the subscribe section of the website and follow the instructions. When adding your BMA membership number, we will be able to determine the type of customer you are.
How can I become a BMA member?: Contact the BMA Membership Department:
Tel: +44 (0)20 7383 6598
Email: membership@bma.org.uk
Or apply online at www.bma.org.uk/join

What format will the download be available in?: Download-able documents are available in PDF formats.
How do I access the document?: All our download-able documents are available via a text link, which can be accessed by clicking on the link.
How do I save the documents?: All documents have a save function at the top left of the screen. There is either a button saying 'Save a copy' or a picture of a disc.

Frequently asked questions

This site

BMA Members

PDF Downloads