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Log in to the OVID platform for NHS databases

 Complete your in-depth literature search using OVID databases. To search the OVID databases you'll need to log in using your NHS OpenAthens.

Which databases can you search?

OVID is host to a range of specialist, research, healthcare databases, purchased for NHS users. You can search the AMED, Embase, Emcare, HMIC, Medline and Social Policy and Practice databases.

Not sure which database you need? Complete our etutorial Which NHS database do you need? for more help.

How to log in to the OVID platform

1. Find the OVID Link

Get quick access to the OVID platform by linking from our NHS Resources page.  If you work for North Staffs Combined Healthcare or GP practices in Staffordshire or CCGs in Staffordshire please click the relevant button to go to your page of resources.

NHS resources page on the health library website

2. Select your institution

Search for your OpenAthens institution.

  • Tip: Staff at UHNM can enter North Midlands to get the organisation name quickly
  • Tip: Staff working for Combined Healthcare, the GP practices or CCGs in Staffordshire can enter Staffordshire to get their organisation names quickly.

Select your organisation from the results list.

Institution selection box

3. Log in with you NHS OpenAthen username

Enter your NHS OpenAthens username / password into the login page and click Sign In.

NHS OpenAthens login box

4. Select the database

You are now logged into the OVID platform. Select the database you want to search. You can select one, more than one or all resources.

List of databases on the OVID platform that you can select

5. Execute your search

You can now run your search against the OVID database(s)

Search box on the OVID platform

More help

For help finding, accessing or searching NHS resources, please contact:

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