In-Depth Database Tutorial: PubMed

Sample Search Topic & Objectives for PubMed Sample Search

Search Steps:

• Step #1: Identifying Search Concepts Using PICO

• Step #2: Controlled Vocabularies -- How to Locate & Use MeSH Terms

  • Locate the Controlled Vocabulary (MeSH term) for your concepts

  • Important notes to keep in mind when using MeSH terms

    • Hierarchical Arrangement

    • Focus vs. Explode

    • Major Headings

    • Subheadings

  • Adding MeSH terms to the search box

• ​Step #3: Locating & Using Keywords

  • How to find synonyms and be comprehensive

  • Applying field tags to keywords

  • Applying Boolean operators to keywords

• Step #4: Combining MeSH & Keywords with the Boolean Operator OR (Part 1)

  • ​Adding field tags and Boolean operators to search for Atorvastatin using MeSH terms and keywords at the same time

• Step #5: Combining MeSH & Keywords with with the Boolean Operator OR (Part 2)

  • ​Quick run-through for building a search string for memory loss using keywords and subject headings

  • Quick run-through for building a search string for females using keywords and subject headings

• Step #6: Combining all Search Elements (PICO) Using the Boolean Operator AND

• Step #7: Applying Filters & Adjusting your Initial Search

• Step #8: How to Access Full Text, Use Interlibrary Loan & Export Results to a Citation Manager

  • ​Accessing Full Text at the University of Dayton

  • Accessing Interlibrary Loan (ILL) from PubMed at the University of Dayton

  • Exporting Multiple Results from PubMed to citation management softwares, My NCBI & PubMed's Clipboard Feature