1. Identify key concepts and brainstorm search terms for each
- Break down your topic, PICOT question, or clinical scenario into searchable keywords
- Using the "preferred terminology" in the database increases the success of your work.
- In PubMed, this is called MeSH (for Medical Subject Headings)
- In CINAHL, this is called CINAHL Headings
- In EMBASE, this is called Emtree
- Scopus uses keyword searching only, there is no "preferred terminology"
2. Build search strings using "AND", "OR" and sometimes, "NOT"
- Learn more about Boolean operators
- "AND" narrows your topic - Use in between separate concepts
- childhood diabetes AND nutrition plan
- nurses AND simulation
- "OR" broadens your topic - Use in between synonyms
- drug addiction OR drug dependence
- tumor OR neoplasm OR cancer
- "NOT" eliminates elements from your topic. Use "NOT" sparingly and with caution; it is easy to cancel out important articles.
- sleep disorders NOT narcolepsy
- palliative care NOT hospice
3. Choose the right resources or databases to search
- Consider books and e-books for background information
- Articles can provide current evidence to answer specific patient or clinical information
- Use articles to find evidence for evidence-based health care
- PubMed (bio-medical literature) and CINAHL (nursing and allied health) are great starting points for finding peer-reviewed biomedical articles
4. Use search tips or help sections in your chosen database for more tricks to focus your searches
- Each database searches differently. Some use subject terms that include popular synonyms. Others search by keyword only.
- Look for additional subject terms and keywords on article abstract pages to help you expand or focus your search.
- PubMed and CINAHL have "limits" for language, patient ages, publication types, date, and more.
