Identify Your Keywords and Phrases (#9)

As part of your search plan you need to identify keywords and phrases that are related to your question. These are the search terms that you’ll use to search in the resources you’ve identified.

Keyword button linked to more buttons to represent keyword alternatives

Start with your question and identify the key words and phrases it contains. Then for each of those keywords / phrases try to think of synonyms or alternatives that mean the same thing.

You may have groups of keywords based around the different concepts within your question. So for example if your question is about medications suitable for elderly patients with high blood pressure, you will have a group of search terms for blood pressure medications, elderly people and high blood pressure.

The more search terms you use the more likely you are to identify all the information related to it, as different authors (of articles, reviews etc) may use different terms.

Try our etutorial Develop Your Search Terms to practice identifying search terms.

Comments

Login to Library Search – step-by-step instructions for NHS staff

Library Search is a discovery tool, allowing you to find items within the library collections. You can search Library Search without logging in to view books and ebooks available in our collections. By logging in to your library account on Library Search you can access a range of additional functionality, such as: Viewing details of your library account Submitting a request to hold a book for you Adding items to your e-bookshelf Saving searches Note that for NHS users logging in to Library Search does not give you access to full-text items. As an NHS member of staff you access online resources using your NHS OpenAthens username. Anatomy of a Library Card First let’s take a quick look at the most important components of your library card. Your library card and library card number give you access to print resources as well as library services. They confirm that you are a member of the library. Your name : this will be printed on your card, so you’ll know it’s yours! H

Need help with your literature search?

Do you need to answer a question? When you need an answer to a healthcare question you need to find out what information already exists about it ; s o that you have the background information and latest research . Whether it is for an assignment, dissertation, research, audit or other w ork you need to complete a literature search to get the latest information and best evidenc e to answer your question . Complete a literature search plan How do you start your literature search? Star t with a plan. Make a literature search plan to help you to focus your search, be systematic and keep a record in case you want to repeat it. How can the Health Library help you? Information Skills etutorials Develop your information searching skills by completing our short , enga ging etutorials . Read presentations, complete quizzes and watch videos to learn the essential skills to finding information efficiently and effectively. Start off with our Introduction to Literature Search

CASP Checklist – complete online and download

You can now complete the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklist online, then download and save it. Use the CASP checklists to help you to critically appraise different published research studies. You can now complete the form online, then download and save to your computer. Great for keeping a record of your critical appraisals and to add to your CPD or skills portfolio. screen-shot of an edited CASP checklist

Information Skills for Health

Search This Blog