9.2.6 Searches Efficiently and Effectively

Searches Efficiently and Effectively: PubMed (Medline) and The Cochrane Library

PubMed (Medline) and The Cochrane Library are two widely used electronic databases for healthcare research. Here is a teaching piece on how to search these databases efficiently and effectively.

PubMed (Medline):

PubMed is a free database that indexes over 30 million biomedical and life science articles. It is a useful resource for finding articles related to clinical medicine, nursing, and allied health professions. Here are some tips for efficient and effective searching:

Use MeSH terms: Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) are standardized terms used to describe the content of articles in PubMed. MeSH terms provide a structured way to search for articles on a particular topic, making it easier to retrieve relevant articles. It is recommended to use the MeSH database to identify the most appropriate MeSH terms for your search.

Use Boolean operators: Boolean operators such as AND, OR, and NOT can be used to combine search terms and refine search results. For example, combining the keywords “nurse” AND “patient” will retrieve articles that include both terms, while combining “nurse” OR “physician” will retrieve articles that include either term.

Use filters: PubMed offers a variety of filters that can be used to refine search results based on publication date, study type, language, and other criteria. Filters can be accessed from the left-hand side of the search results page.

The Cochrane Library:

The Cochrane Library is a collection of evidence-based reviews and systematic reviews that summarize the best available evidence on a particular topic. The Cochrane Library is particularly useful for finding high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Here are some tips for efficient and effective searching:

Use the search box: The search box in the top right corner of the Cochrane Library homepage allows you to search the entire database. This search box uses natural language processing, so you can enter a question or topic in plain language rather than using Boolean operators or MeSH terms.

Browse by topic: The Cochrane Library organizes reviews by topic, making it easy to find reviews related to a particular area of interest. To browse by topic, click on the “Browse” tab at the top of the homepage.

Use the search filters: The Cochrane Library offers a variety of search filters that can be used to refine search results based on study type, publication date, and other criteria. Filters can be accessed from the left-hand side of the search results page.

In summary, efficient and effective searching in PubMed (Medline) and The Cochrane Library requires the use of appropriate search terms, Boolean operators, and search filters. By utilizing these tools, healthcare practitioners can more effectively identify and incorporate evidence into their clinical decision-making processes.

References:

1. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). PubMed Help. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/help/
2. The Cochrane Library. (n.d.). Cochrane Library User Guide. Retrieved from https://www.cochranelibrary.com/help/user-guide