The document discusses the key differences between four major biomedical databases - PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. It provides information on the years of coverage, subject headings used, advanced search features, and other unique aspects of each database. The deputy medical librarian at the University of Cambridge Medical Library, Isla Kuhn, presents this information to help researchers select the most appropriate database to find relevant literature on their topic.
The document provides information about four major biomedical databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. It compares the databases in terms of their years of coverage, subject headings used, advanced search features, and other tools. The document also provides guidance on developing an effective search strategy, including using Boolean operators and synonyms to search for relevant articles on a given topic. Contact information is provided for the librarian who can assist with searches.
This document discusses how PubMed and Endnote Web can be used together effectively for literature searches and managing references. It provides guidance on developing search strategies, including clarifying the research topic, identifying keywords, using Boolean logic for more sensitive and specific searches, and searching relevant databases like PubMed. The document also discusses tips for managing references in Endnote Web to avoid plagiarism and ensure references are properly cited. Help from the medical librarian is offered for any part of the research process.
In this webinar we introduce you to the workflows supported by Embase, describe the benefits of Embase content and coverage and show you how you may utilize deep drug indexing to pinpoint and track biomedical information.
This document provides information about searching medical databases from the Cambridge University Library Medical Library. It discusses the "Big 4" databases - PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. It provides information on how to access the databases and compares their features. The document also discusses developing search strategies, using Boolean logic and keywords, and tips for effective searching. Assistance is available from the Deputy Medical Librarian.
This document discusses how PubMed and Endnote Web can be used together effectively for literature searches and managing references. It provides guidance on developing search strategies, including clarifying the research topic, identifying keywords, using Boolean logic operators, and searching databases. Tips are provided on structuring references to avoid plagiarism and ensure citations are correctly formatted. The document encourages seeking library assistance when needed and emphasizes that effective searching is an iterative process.
1. Clarify the research question.
2. Search relevant databases and other sources using a structured search strategy with keywords, synonyms, and Boolean logic.
3. Screen search results according to inclusion/exclusion criteria and select studies for full-text review.
4. Critically appraise the quality of included studies.
5. Extract key data from included studies and synthesize findings.
This document provides guidance on conducting an effective literature search for research. It discusses developing a clear research question and identifying relevant keywords and synonyms. It explains how to structure searches using Boolean logic operators like AND, OR and NOT to search efficiently. Databases like PubMed and Web of Science are recommended for searches. Managing references with EndNote Web and obtaining full-texts through the library catalog are also covered. Tips are provided on an iterative search process and critically evaluating search results.
This document provides guidance on conducting effective literature searches from developing a research topic and question to searching bibliographic databases using appropriate keywords, synonyms, and Boolean logic. It emphasizes an iterative process of searching, evaluating results, and refining searches. Tips are provided on documenting searches and managing references. Contact information is included for librarian assistance.
The document provides information about four major biomedical databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. It compares the databases in terms of their years of coverage, subject headings used, advanced search features, and other tools. The document also provides guidance on developing an effective search strategy, including using Boolean operators and synonyms to search for relevant articles on a given topic. Contact information is provided for the librarian who can assist with searches.
This document discusses how PubMed and Endnote Web can be used together effectively for literature searches and managing references. It provides guidance on developing search strategies, including clarifying the research topic, identifying keywords, using Boolean logic for more sensitive and specific searches, and searching relevant databases like PubMed. The document also discusses tips for managing references in Endnote Web to avoid plagiarism and ensure references are properly cited. Help from the medical librarian is offered for any part of the research process.
In this webinar we introduce you to the workflows supported by Embase, describe the benefits of Embase content and coverage and show you how you may utilize deep drug indexing to pinpoint and track biomedical information.
This document provides information about searching medical databases from the Cambridge University Library Medical Library. It discusses the "Big 4" databases - PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. It provides information on how to access the databases and compares their features. The document also discusses developing search strategies, using Boolean logic and keywords, and tips for effective searching. Assistance is available from the Deputy Medical Librarian.
This document discusses how PubMed and Endnote Web can be used together effectively for literature searches and managing references. It provides guidance on developing search strategies, including clarifying the research topic, identifying keywords, using Boolean logic operators, and searching databases. Tips are provided on structuring references to avoid plagiarism and ensure citations are correctly formatted. The document encourages seeking library assistance when needed and emphasizes that effective searching is an iterative process.
1. Clarify the research question.
2. Search relevant databases and other sources using a structured search strategy with keywords, synonyms, and Boolean logic.
3. Screen search results according to inclusion/exclusion criteria and select studies for full-text review.
4. Critically appraise the quality of included studies.
5. Extract key data from included studies and synthesize findings.
This document provides guidance on conducting an effective literature search for research. It discusses developing a clear research question and identifying relevant keywords and synonyms. It explains how to structure searches using Boolean logic operators like AND, OR and NOT to search efficiently. Databases like PubMed and Web of Science are recommended for searches. Managing references with EndNote Web and obtaining full-texts through the library catalog are also covered. Tips are provided on an iterative search process and critically evaluating search results.
This document provides guidance on conducting effective literature searches from developing a research topic and question to searching bibliographic databases using appropriate keywords, synonyms, and Boolean logic. It emphasizes an iterative process of searching, evaluating results, and refining searches. Tips are provided on documenting searches and managing references. Contact information is included for librarian assistance.
Systematic review how to - michaelmas 2012Isla Kuhn
Here are some key points about sensitivity and specificity in literature searching:
- Sensitivity refers to the proportion of relevant records that are retrieved by the search. A highly sensitive search aims to retrieve as many relevant records as possible, even if it also retrieves some irrelevant records.
- Specificity refers to the proportion of retrieved records that are relevant. A highly specific search aims to retrieve few irrelevant records, but it may fail to retrieve some relevant records.
- Searching by title alone will be more specific but less sensitive than searching the title, abstract, and keywords fields.
- Using narrow search terms or limits will increase specificity but reduce sensitivity.
- Boolean AND increases specificity but reduces sensitivity by only retrieving records that contain all
This document provides guidance on conducting an effective literature search for a research project or dissertation. It discusses developing a clear research topic and question, identifying relevant keywords and synonyms, using Boolean logic to structure search strategies, searching appropriate databases and managing references. Tips are provided on iterative searching, considering alternative terminology, critically appraising sources, and asking librarians for assistance throughout the research process.
Here are the key differences between searching Medline via OVID vs PubMed:
- In PubMed, searches use boolean operators like AND instead of / between terms
- PubMed does not have exploded subject headings, so you need to search each term individually
- In PubMed, text words are searched with [tiab] instead of .tw
- PubMed does not have a built-in limit for human studies, so you need to add that filter yourself
So in summary, the syntax is slightly different but the concepts are the same - you're searching for the same epidemiological study designs in both databases.
This document provides guidance on conducting effective literature searches. It discusses how to develop a focused research question and identify relevant keywords and databases. It explains how to structure search strategies using Boolean logic to search terms effectively. Tips are provided on searching tools like phrase searching, truncation, and MeSH terms. The document emphasizes an iterative search process and advises seeking library assistance. The overall goal is to guide researchers in obtaining high-quality literature to inform their work.
This document summarizes four major biomedical databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus. It provides information on the number of records in each database, years of coverage, subject areas, search features, and tips for effective searching. The document also provides an example of developing search terms for the topic "Is CBT effective for teenagers with eating disorders?". Key details are extracted to formulate searches using Boolean logic and synonyms. Searching techniques and getting help from librarians are also advised.
Systematic review how to- michaelmas 2013Isla Kuhn
This document provides guidance on conducting systematic literature reviews. It discusses clarifying the research question, selecting appropriate databases and search strategies, keeping searches up to date, and managing references. Conducting reviews systematically means using explicit, transparent, and reproducible methods. The goal is to identify all relevant evidence and make objective judgments about its validity and implications.
This document provides guidance on conducting effective literature searches through the Medical Library at Cambridge University. It discusses how to clarify the research question, select appropriate databases and search strategies, manage references, and translate the topic into an effective search. Steps are outlined for developing keywords, applying Boolean logic, searching specific databases, and using filters. The document aims to help researchers fully explore the existing literature and get the most from library resources.
This document discusses how to effectively search the literature on a research topic using PubMed and EndNoteWeb. It covers developing search strategies using keywords, synonyms, and Boolean logic to search databases like PubMed and identify relevant sources. It also discusses managing references using EndNoteWeb and avoiding plagiarism by properly citing references. The document provides tips on constructing search strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and where to get help from librarians.
Efficiënt en systematisch zoeken in bibliografische databankenvoginip
The document discusses systematic searching in bibliographic databases. It covers identifying key terms from the research question, creating a basic search strategy, and optimizing the strategy. Elements of a systematic search are discussed, including using controlled vocabularies and free text terms. Considerations for translating search strategies between databases are presented. Success factors for efficient systematic searching are identified as optimization techniques, using macros for translation, single-line search strategies, feedback from researchers, and experience.
The document discusses choosing a medical issue for a project that has ethical, economic, social, and political implications. It suggests considering whether the issue relates to public health, medical ethics, or research and development. It also recommends determining if there was always scientific consensus on the issue and whether it crosses different disciplines. Background research sources are listed such as textbooks, encyclopedias, Wikipedia, Google Scholar, and academic databases. Subject guides and databases like CQ Researcher and Web of Science are also referenced for further research.
World of Science Graduate school 2010 : The Library & You.Laika Spoetnik
The document discusses the resources and services available at the Medical Library, including books, e-books, journals, databases, study areas, and research assistance. It provides guidance on effective literature searching using databases like PubMed and filtering search results. It also highlights courses available to teach evidence-based medicine skills and the use of other literature databases. The goal is to help researchers conduct thorough literature searches to answer clinical questions.
Advanced search technique for health and life sciences for Online Programmescatherallp
This presentation introduces advanced search techniques for health and life sciences resources available through the library website. It covers searching e-books, journals, databases like Scopus and Medline, and reference management software RefWorks. Search strategies discussed include developing focused questions, selecting keywords, using Boolean operators and phrase searching. Tips are provided for constructing effective searches and evaluating search results. Additional online resources suggested include Healthtalkonline, Behind the Headlines and NHS Evidence.
This document provides guidance on conducting systematic literature reviews. It discusses the key steps in the systematic review process, including developing a clear research question, performing comprehensive searches of relevant databases and other resources, screening search results by title, abstract and full text, extracting and synthesizing data from included studies, and writing up findings. It emphasizes that systematic reviews use explicit and reproducible methods to minimize bias and ensure the review can be replicated.
This document provides an overview of techniques for searching the literature for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. It discusses developing search concepts, using Boolean logic and vocabulary, searching databases like PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE, evaluating searches, and documenting the search process. Guidelines like PRISMA and the Cochrane Handbook provide standards for reporting search strategies and results. Citation management software like Endnote, Refworks, and Zotero can help organize references. Developing a thorough search across multiple sources is essential for a comprehensive systematic review.
This document provides an introduction to using UCT Libraries resources. It outlines how to find books and journals using the library catalogue and e-journal portal. It describes doing literature searches in databases using Boolean logic and keywords. It discusses retrieving full text articles using SFX links or the library catalogue, and organizing references using RefWorks. The document also covers writing and referencing guides, creating search alerts, and accessing resources off-campus.
This document provides guidance on developing a search strategy for a systematic literature review. It discusses clarifying the research question, identifying keywords and synonyms, using MeSH/subject headings, applying Boolean logic and truncation. The example search strategy provided searches PubMed for studies on the effectiveness of staying active versus bed rest for managing back pain. It combines terms for back pain, spinal diseases, and activities of daily living using Boolean logic. The strategy limits to clinical trials in humans and excludes animal studies.
1) The document discusses a presentation given by clinical librarians to medical staff about finding medical evidence in the neonatal intensive care unit.
2) It provides an overview of library services available from both hospital and university libraries and how to access full text articles off-site using the proxy server.
3) The presentation demonstrates how to effectively search PubMed, including using clinical queries and filters, to find relevant research studies to answer clinical questions.
This document provides guidance on searching for information related to manufacturing potential therapies for AIDS. It outlines several key steps: defining the topic and related terms; combining terms using Boolean operators and other search techniques; and searching appropriate databases and resources. Specific databases and resources recommended for finding factual information, statistics, health data, and current research include the UCL library catalog, Knovel, WHOSIS, the Global Health Observatory Map, and Engineering Village. Help is available through WISE, the library enquiry desk, or directly from the author.
systematic reviews and what the library can do to helpIsla Kuhn
The document provides information about systematic reviews including:
- How systematic reviews differ from traditional reviews by being more comprehensive and methodical.
- The typical stages in a systematic review including developing a question, searching, screening, data extraction and synthesis.
- Potential biases that can affect systematic reviews like publication bias.
- Tools and resources available from the medical library to help with developing search strategies, managing references and data, and publishing open access reviews.
Quantitative critical appraisal october 2015Isla Kuhn
This document provides an introduction to critical appraisal of research articles. It explains that critical appraisal assesses the validity, results, and relevance of studies. Key aspects include evaluating study design, interpreting basic statistics and event rates, and determining applicability of results. Ready-made checklists can help appraise different types of research studies. Understanding concepts like confidence intervals, p-values, and risk ratios is important for interpretation. Practice is needed to develop critical appraisal skills.
Systematic review how to - michaelmas 2012Isla Kuhn
Here are some key points about sensitivity and specificity in literature searching:
- Sensitivity refers to the proportion of relevant records that are retrieved by the search. A highly sensitive search aims to retrieve as many relevant records as possible, even if it also retrieves some irrelevant records.
- Specificity refers to the proportion of retrieved records that are relevant. A highly specific search aims to retrieve few irrelevant records, but it may fail to retrieve some relevant records.
- Searching by title alone will be more specific but less sensitive than searching the title, abstract, and keywords fields.
- Using narrow search terms or limits will increase specificity but reduce sensitivity.
- Boolean AND increases specificity but reduces sensitivity by only retrieving records that contain all
This document provides guidance on conducting an effective literature search for a research project or dissertation. It discusses developing a clear research topic and question, identifying relevant keywords and synonyms, using Boolean logic to structure search strategies, searching appropriate databases and managing references. Tips are provided on iterative searching, considering alternative terminology, critically appraising sources, and asking librarians for assistance throughout the research process.
Here are the key differences between searching Medline via OVID vs PubMed:
- In PubMed, searches use boolean operators like AND instead of / between terms
- PubMed does not have exploded subject headings, so you need to search each term individually
- In PubMed, text words are searched with [tiab] instead of .tw
- PubMed does not have a built-in limit for human studies, so you need to add that filter yourself
So in summary, the syntax is slightly different but the concepts are the same - you're searching for the same epidemiological study designs in both databases.
This document provides guidance on conducting effective literature searches. It discusses how to develop a focused research question and identify relevant keywords and databases. It explains how to structure search strategies using Boolean logic to search terms effectively. Tips are provided on searching tools like phrase searching, truncation, and MeSH terms. The document emphasizes an iterative search process and advises seeking library assistance. The overall goal is to guide researchers in obtaining high-quality literature to inform their work.
This document summarizes four major biomedical databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and Scopus. It provides information on the number of records in each database, years of coverage, subject areas, search features, and tips for effective searching. The document also provides an example of developing search terms for the topic "Is CBT effective for teenagers with eating disorders?". Key details are extracted to formulate searches using Boolean logic and synonyms. Searching techniques and getting help from librarians are also advised.
Systematic review how to- michaelmas 2013Isla Kuhn
This document provides guidance on conducting systematic literature reviews. It discusses clarifying the research question, selecting appropriate databases and search strategies, keeping searches up to date, and managing references. Conducting reviews systematically means using explicit, transparent, and reproducible methods. The goal is to identify all relevant evidence and make objective judgments about its validity and implications.
This document provides guidance on conducting effective literature searches through the Medical Library at Cambridge University. It discusses how to clarify the research question, select appropriate databases and search strategies, manage references, and translate the topic into an effective search. Steps are outlined for developing keywords, applying Boolean logic, searching specific databases, and using filters. The document aims to help researchers fully explore the existing literature and get the most from library resources.
This document discusses how to effectively search the literature on a research topic using PubMed and EndNoteWeb. It covers developing search strategies using keywords, synonyms, and Boolean logic to search databases like PubMed and identify relevant sources. It also discusses managing references using EndNoteWeb and avoiding plagiarism by properly citing references. The document provides tips on constructing search strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and where to get help from librarians.
Efficiënt en systematisch zoeken in bibliografische databankenvoginip
The document discusses systematic searching in bibliographic databases. It covers identifying key terms from the research question, creating a basic search strategy, and optimizing the strategy. Elements of a systematic search are discussed, including using controlled vocabularies and free text terms. Considerations for translating search strategies between databases are presented. Success factors for efficient systematic searching are identified as optimization techniques, using macros for translation, single-line search strategies, feedback from researchers, and experience.
The document discusses choosing a medical issue for a project that has ethical, economic, social, and political implications. It suggests considering whether the issue relates to public health, medical ethics, or research and development. It also recommends determining if there was always scientific consensus on the issue and whether it crosses different disciplines. Background research sources are listed such as textbooks, encyclopedias, Wikipedia, Google Scholar, and academic databases. Subject guides and databases like CQ Researcher and Web of Science are also referenced for further research.
World of Science Graduate school 2010 : The Library & You.Laika Spoetnik
The document discusses the resources and services available at the Medical Library, including books, e-books, journals, databases, study areas, and research assistance. It provides guidance on effective literature searching using databases like PubMed and filtering search results. It also highlights courses available to teach evidence-based medicine skills and the use of other literature databases. The goal is to help researchers conduct thorough literature searches to answer clinical questions.
Advanced search technique for health and life sciences for Online Programmescatherallp
This presentation introduces advanced search techniques for health and life sciences resources available through the library website. It covers searching e-books, journals, databases like Scopus and Medline, and reference management software RefWorks. Search strategies discussed include developing focused questions, selecting keywords, using Boolean operators and phrase searching. Tips are provided for constructing effective searches and evaluating search results. Additional online resources suggested include Healthtalkonline, Behind the Headlines and NHS Evidence.
This document provides guidance on conducting systematic literature reviews. It discusses the key steps in the systematic review process, including developing a clear research question, performing comprehensive searches of relevant databases and other resources, screening search results by title, abstract and full text, extracting and synthesizing data from included studies, and writing up findings. It emphasizes that systematic reviews use explicit and reproducible methods to minimize bias and ensure the review can be replicated.
This document provides an overview of techniques for searching the literature for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. It discusses developing search concepts, using Boolean logic and vocabulary, searching databases like PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE, evaluating searches, and documenting the search process. Guidelines like PRISMA and the Cochrane Handbook provide standards for reporting search strategies and results. Citation management software like Endnote, Refworks, and Zotero can help organize references. Developing a thorough search across multiple sources is essential for a comprehensive systematic review.
This document provides an introduction to using UCT Libraries resources. It outlines how to find books and journals using the library catalogue and e-journal portal. It describes doing literature searches in databases using Boolean logic and keywords. It discusses retrieving full text articles using SFX links or the library catalogue, and organizing references using RefWorks. The document also covers writing and referencing guides, creating search alerts, and accessing resources off-campus.
This document provides guidance on developing a search strategy for a systematic literature review. It discusses clarifying the research question, identifying keywords and synonyms, using MeSH/subject headings, applying Boolean logic and truncation. The example search strategy provided searches PubMed for studies on the effectiveness of staying active versus bed rest for managing back pain. It combines terms for back pain, spinal diseases, and activities of daily living using Boolean logic. The strategy limits to clinical trials in humans and excludes animal studies.
1) The document discusses a presentation given by clinical librarians to medical staff about finding medical evidence in the neonatal intensive care unit.
2) It provides an overview of library services available from both hospital and university libraries and how to access full text articles off-site using the proxy server.
3) The presentation demonstrates how to effectively search PubMed, including using clinical queries and filters, to find relevant research studies to answer clinical questions.
This document provides guidance on searching for information related to manufacturing potential therapies for AIDS. It outlines several key steps: defining the topic and related terms; combining terms using Boolean operators and other search techniques; and searching appropriate databases and resources. Specific databases and resources recommended for finding factual information, statistics, health data, and current research include the UCL library catalog, Knovel, WHOSIS, the Global Health Observatory Map, and Engineering Village. Help is available through WISE, the library enquiry desk, or directly from the author.
systematic reviews and what the library can do to helpIsla Kuhn
The document provides information about systematic reviews including:
- How systematic reviews differ from traditional reviews by being more comprehensive and methodical.
- The typical stages in a systematic review including developing a question, searching, screening, data extraction and synthesis.
- Potential biases that can affect systematic reviews like publication bias.
- Tools and resources available from the medical library to help with developing search strategies, managing references and data, and publishing open access reviews.
Quantitative critical appraisal october 2015Isla Kuhn
This document provides an introduction to critical appraisal of research articles. It explains that critical appraisal assesses the validity, results, and relevance of studies. Key aspects include evaluating study design, interpreting basic statistics and event rates, and determining applicability of results. Ready-made checklists can help appraise different types of research studies. Understanding concepts like confidence intervals, p-values, and risk ratios is important for interpretation. Practice is needed to develop critical appraisal skills.
This document provides information about the resources and support available from the Cambridge University Medical Library to assist researchers at different stages of their work. It describes how the library can help with literature searches, reference management, research data management, publishing papers, and increasing the impact of published research. It also gives an example of developing a search strategy for a research question about how tongue muscle development influences feeding in preterm infants.
This document provides guidance on conducting effective literature searches from the Cambridge University Library Medical Library. It discusses how to clarify research questions, select appropriate databases and search strategies, devise comprehensive search terms, manage references and stay up to date as new information emerges. The document provides examples of developing search strategies using keywords, synonyms, Boolean logic and subject headings. It emphasizes iterative searching and offers tips on recording search processes and results as well as asking librarians for help.
This document provides information about library resources available at Cambridge University for STEM subjects. It discusses the various libraries located across the university's colleges and departments, and the digitized resources and catalogs that provide access to over 7 million books and other materials. It also summarizes tools for keeping track of readings, references, and research as well as resources for accessing materials while working remotely or on campus.
Anatomy of a literature search - april 2014Isla Kuhn
The document provides guidance on how to structure a search strategy to answer a research question by outlining frameworks like PICOC, SPIDER, and PICOT that break down the key elements of a topic into components related to population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes. It walks through applying these frameworks to the sample question "How can stigma of mental illness in developing countries be impacted by education?" and constructing a search strategy using relevant keywords and Boolean operators. Tips are also provided on refining searches and choosing appropriate databases and filters.
International Public Health SSC April 2014Isla Kuhn
This document provides guidance on searching the literature for public health issues related to malaria and other parasitic diseases in Southeast Asia. It discusses developing a focused clinical question using PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome), searching bibliographic databases like PubMed and Embase using keywords, Boolean logic, and limits. Tips are provided on tools like Athens passwords and alternative sources of information like WHO and NGO websites. Contact information is given for the medical librarian for assistance.
This document discusses various reference management tools for keeping track of sources and citations. It compares Endnote, Endnote Web, Zotero, and Mendeley, which allow users to create bibliographies, attach files and PDFs, link to full-text sources, and cite sources while writing. The document notes that Endnote has both desktop and web versions while the others are primarily web-based. It provides links to learn more about each tool and contact information for the librarian author.
This document provides an overview of how to effectively search the medical literature from clarifying a research question to developing search strategies, managing references, and keeping search results up to date. It discusses translating topics into keywords, subject headings, Boolean logic, and search filters. Examples are provided of formulating search strategies in PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE. Tips are given for recording the search process, critically appraising sources, and getting help from medical librarians. The goal is to help readers get the most from literature searches and medical library resources.
1) The document discusses the debate around whether it is better for patients with acute low back pain and sciatica to rest in bed or stay active.
2) It provides a literature search strategy used to identify clinical trials comparing bed rest to staying active.
3) The document considers the complexities around providing advice to patients, and notes that different approaches may be needed for postgraduate vs undergraduate students.
The document provides guidance on conducting effective literature searches. It discusses developing search strategies using keywords, synonyms, Boolean logic, and subject headings. It emphasizes structuring the search, setting parameters, searching relevant databases and sources, managing references, and documenting the search process. The overall topic is how to systematically search the literature to identify relevant sources for a research question.
The document discusses various reference management tools for organizing citations and bibliographies, including EndNote, EndNote Web, Zotero, and Mendeley. It notes that all four tools allow users to create folders and files, attach PDFs and files, and link to full text. Additionally, EndNote, EndNote Web, Zotero, and Mendeley all enable dynamic organization of references and cite-while-you-write capabilities. The document provides contact information for the librarian and links to learn more about the different reference management software options.
This document provides guidance on conducting systematic literature reviews. It discusses key steps like clarifying the research question, selecting appropriate databases and search terms, developing a comprehensive search strategy, and managing references. An example search strategy is also included that explores the effectiveness of advice to rest in bed versus staying active for acute low back pain and sciatica.
1. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Big 4 Databases:
Pubmed, Embase,
Web of Knowledge, Scopus
Isla Kuhn
Deputy Medical Librarian
University of Cambridge Medical Library
7. Lots of differences….. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Pubmed Embase WoK Scopus
Years of coverage 1954 - 1974 - present 1970 - present 1996 – to
present present
Subject headings Health & Health & Arts, Arts,
medicine medicine humanities, humanities,
(pharmacology sciences, social sciences,
strength) sciences social sciences
Added bonus Subject Subject “H” index “H” index;
headings headings
Journal Impact Web & Patents
factors; search;
Conference Journal
proceedings analyzer
8. But they all do the same thing CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Pubmed Embase WoK Scopus
Password required? (RAVEN)
Complex search option (allowing for
Boolean “and”/”or” searching
Subject headings
Save Searches
Alerts
Related articles
Citation tracking
Links to full-text
Export to reference management tool
9. But they all do the same thing CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Pubmed Embase WoK Scopus
Password required? (RAVEN) No Yes Yes Yes
Complex search option (allowing for Yes Yes Yes Yes
Boolean “and”/”or” searching
Subject headings Yes Yes No (ish) No (ish)
Save Searches Yes Yes Yes Yes
Alerts Yes Yes Yes Yes
Related articles Yes Yes Yes Yes
Citation tracking No No Yes Yes
Links to full-text yes Yes Yes Yes
(but unreliably)
Export to reference management tool Yes Yes Yes Yes
10. From Topic to Results CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
• Topic -> question -> keywords/synonyms
Effect of chocolate in prevention of heart disease
...”Is consuming chocolate effective in reducing risk of heart disease?” ….
Themes / PICO / keywords
11. From Topic to Results CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Is consuming chocolate effective in reducing the risk of heart disease?
P –problem / patient?
I – Intervention?
C – Comparison?
O – Outcome?
Synonyms?
12. From Topic to Results CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Is consuming chocolate effective in reducing the risk of heart disease?
P – heart disease
I – chocolate
C–
O – risk
13. From Topic to Results CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Is consuming chocolate effective in reducing the risk of heart disease?
heart disease / heart failure / cardiovascular disease / coronary disease
chocolate / cocoa / cacao
risk / prevention / prevalence
14. Quiz 1 CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Which will give you better hits (a more SPECIFIC search)?
1. coronary disease AND chocolate
2. chocolate OR heart failure
3. coronary disease NOT chocolate
4. risk AND chocolate
15. From Topic to Results: CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Boolean Logic
AND – to narrow the search by combining different topics
eg
“physiotherapy” and “stroke”
Both terms must be present in the results.
Physiotherapy Stroke
16. Quiz 2 CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Which will give you most hits (a more SENSITIVE search)
1. coronary disease AND heart failure
2. coronary disease OR heart failure
3. coronary disease NOT heart failure
17. From Topic to Results: CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Boolean Logic
OR – to broaden your search, by combining similar terms
eg
“exercise” or “physical activity”
Either term can be present in the resulting set of articles.
Cerebral-vascular
Stroke
Accident
18. Quiz 3 CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Which will give you best hits (most SPECIFIC search)?
1. coronary disease AND chocolate AND risk
2. (coronary disease OR heart failure) AND chocolate AND risk
3. chocolate AND risk AND coronary failure
4. risk AND (chocolate OR cocoa) AND (coronary disease OR heart failure)
19. From Topic to Results: CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Boolean Logic
NOT – to restrict your search so that it does not contain a particular term
eg
“physical therapy” not “manual therapy”
The first, but not the second, term must be present.
Physical Manual
Therapy Therapy
20. From Topic to Results
Is consuming chocolate effective in the prevention of CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
heart disease?
heart disease OR cardiovascular disease or coronary disease
AND
chocolate OR cocoa OR cacao
AND
prevention OR risk or prevalence
Limits?
MeSH?
21. Access CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
http://library.medschl.cam.ac.uk/
– click “databases for literature searching”
- Pick embase, medline (pubmed), web of science and scopus
or
wok.mimas.ac.uk
www.scopus.com
gateway.ovid.com/autologin.cgi
www.pubmed.gov
22. What’s the difference? CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
Pubmed Embase WoK Scopus
Password required? (RAVEN) No Yes Yes Yes
Complex search option (allowing for Yes Yes Yes Yes
Boolean “and”/”or” searching
Subject headings Yes Yes No (ish) No (ish)
Save Searches Yes Yes Yes Yes
Alerts Yes Yes Yes Yes
Related articles Yes Yes Yes Yes
Citation tracking No No Yes Yes
Links to full-text yes Yes Yes Yes
(but unreliably)
Export to reference management tool Yes Yes Yes Yes
23. From strategy to references CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
LibrarySearch / e-journals@cambridge
http://search.lib.cam.ac.uk/
and/or NHS ejournals?
http://tinyurl.com/nhs-ejournals
24. Searching – Do’s & Don’ts CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
• Don’t try to do the whole search in one line
• Don’t imagine that your first attempt will get all the articles you need
• Don’t give up!
25. Searching – Do’s & Don’ts CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
MEDICAL LIBRARY
• Do think of alternative ways of talking about your topic
• Do learn from your hits and your misses
• Do remember that you still have to critically appraise each article
• Do ask for help