Tips for databases
- Consider 'bookmarking' the NHS Scotland Knowledge Network as your gateway to databases: http://www.knowledge.scot.nhs.uk/.
- Most of the databases listed below use the Ovid search interface, so once you get used to searching one, you should find it comfortable to get to know others.
- Each database differs from others - for example, most have their distinct Subject Headings, and Medline has more 'limits' (or criteria like publication type that you can apply) than most others.
- If you can find good Subject Headings for your terms, it's best to start your search using those rather than free-text keywords. Move to keyword searches if there is no Subject Heading for your topic, or include keyword searches along with Subject Headings for more sensitive search strategies.