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Library
Literature Searching
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As you begin, your search should consider:
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Your research topic/question.
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Break down your topic into key concepts or categories to formulate a clear clinical question.The PICO process will help enable you to do this.
The clinical question needs to identify:
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Patient or population we intend to study
Intervention or treatment we plan to use
Comparison of one intervention to another
Outcome we anticipate
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​For further information on PICO please click here.
Search Strategy Checklist
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Once you have your research question you can create a range of search terms:
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Synonyms, e.g.. aged; elderly
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Acronyms, e.g. UTI
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Differences in terminology across national boundaries, e.g. pediatrics/paediatrics.
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Differences in spelling
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Old/New terminology
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Brand & generic names
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Law & medical terminology
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Also consider any limitations in your search:
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Study type
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Age range
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Publication date
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language...etc.​
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Literature Searching Online e-Learning Modules
These modules are designed to help you build confidence to search published literature for articles and evidence relevant to your work, study and research. The modules are short (each taking no more than 20 minutes to complete) and may be ‘dipped into’ for reference, or completed to obtain a certificate.
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There are seven modules suitable for novice searchers and those wishing to refresh their knowledge.
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You can sign in using your NHS Open Athens account.
Building the foundations
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Module 1 Introduction to searching
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Module 2 Where do I start searching?
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Developing the skills
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Applying the skills
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