2. Do an initial exploratory search. This search will help to ensure that there is not already a wealth of information in the area and that a gap exists for the research you wish to conduct. This search will also help you to discover the best Mesh headings, CINAHL headings, and keywords. It is not necessary to document this search, yet. At this point, you are fine-tuning your search strategies.
A good initial search does not necessarily include all your keywords and PICO terms. Conducting a broad search using subject terms will allow you to survey the literature broadly and discover major themes to investigate further.
You can use tools to help identify terms.
Mesh Browser Tool - find Mesh terms
Find CINAHL headings
TUTORIALS:
CINAHL - Using CINAHL Headings
PubMed - Finding Mesh headings
PubMed - Advanced Search Builder
3. After determining your search terms, you need to add any filters to narrow down the results. This determines the range of literature you will be exploring.
Examples of ways you would focus your results are on your population (age, sex), the time frame of literature to include (5 years - 10 years etc.), the language in which the article is written (English), type of research (clinical trial).
TUTORIAL:
CINAHL - Using limiters
Pubmed - Using limits/filters
