chapter 3 Flashcards
what are some examples of pre-appraised literature?
1) systematic reviews and meta-analysis
2) meta-syntheses
3) integrative reviews
4) synopses/critiques of single studies
why do we not like to use google search engines for articles?
because there is no transparency of what information is included in the search
this also includes grey literature which includes unpublished drug trials, reports or conference proceedings
what are the 3 main strategies for searching?
1) keywords
2) subject heading
3) title searching
what is the major strength of keyword searching?
provides a quick snapshot of how helpful a database will be in finding relevant evidence
what is the major weakness of keyword searching?
may miss studies that do not exactly match the author’s keyword choices; may find many studies irrelevant to the PICOT question
what is a major strength of subject heading search?
searches can be broadened without considering every sunny for the chose keyword
what is a major weakness of subject heading searching?
newly developed technologies, phrases and acronyms may not be linked in the database and thus be missed
what is a majorstrenght for title searching?
increases the chance of the article found being relevant to the PICOT question and is highly effective in finding relevant articles
what is a major weakness in title searching?
misses studies that do not contain the keywords in the title
how can you combine searches?
use boolean operator aka words such as “AND” “OR”
or is better because it broadens the options
how about using limits in searches?
may work in your favour to limiting results to RCTs or meta-analysis first can help determine the highest level of evidence that is available BUT doing so can miss relevant evidence. for example: limit search to “full-text only” eliminates all publications that the databases does not subscribe to in full text
what limit is off limits in this course?
“all text”
reason? you can always use racer to request inter-library loans i.e., the article you want
what are the tips she suggested?
1) begin with PICOT/PES question to generate keywords
2) use subject headings when available
3) use explode option if searches are sparse
4) establish inclusion/exclusion criteria before searching so that the studies that answer the question are easily identifiable.
5) when in doubt, consult a librarian
APPLY THESE AFTER SEARCH STRATEGY IS COMPLETE
