Choose the databases you want to search, including PubMed. In addition to PubMed, you may want to search Web of Science and a subject specific database such as CINHAL for nursing. Your Personal Librarian can help you identify subject databases.
Create a list of keywords you want to include in your search. It may be helpful to create a table (see below) with the keywords for each part of your research, then under each keyword write out as many synonyms for that word. Your Personal Librarian can help you create a search string.
Determine any inclusion/exclusion criteria for your results. These will be included in the methods section.
Determine which filters or limiters you are going to use (ie: date ranges, languages, age, and sex are all limiters in PubMed that can help narrow your search results). You will include these in the methods section.
Conduct the search in your chosen database(s).
Review the titles and abstracts of the search results and select the articles that meet your inclusion criteria.
Save the selected search results in a reference management software, such as EndNote. Your Personal Librarian provides training and support for EndNote.
