When searching primary literature, you will need to translate the structured clinical PICO question, into a search strategy that can be entered into a database in order to retrieve relevant literature.

1) Translate major concepts into search terms

Identify the major concepts of your question and translate natural language to keywords, subject descriptors, MeSH terms or other controlled vocabulary terms.

Start with the P and the I only to begin your search and keep initial search results broad.

Combine the terms with boolean operators: cross infection AND  (Handwashing OR Hand disinfection)

2) Narrow your search with filters

After viewing the initial search results you may decide to narrow your search with terms for the Comparison, Outcome, Time factors or Type of study. Or you may view results, abstracts, and full text of articles to view the comparison and outcome elements.

View examples of clinical questions translated to database searches

*Heneghan, C., & Badenoch, D. (2002). Evidence-based medicine toolkit. London: BMJ Books.

 

See a listing of clinical filters for searching Medline/PubMed

Therapy Problems– The best single term strategy is Randomized Controlled Trial [pt] 

Watch a tutorial on searching PubMed for a PICO question using MeSH controlled vocabulary.

These databases are suggested for searching the literature for EBP. UAMS affiliates may need to log in with their credentials to gain access to all full-text articles and products subscribed to by the library on your behalf. Individuals who are not affiliated with UAMS may contact their institutional library or Arkansas Regional Center Library to inquire about access to specific materials or products.

Search the primary literature

Search filtered publications

These are secondary resources which are appraised and reviewed for quality and relevance to evidence based practice.

​Visit the UAMS Library A-Z listing page for a complete listing of electronic resources and databases available from UAMS Library.