Searching

1. Keep Things Simple to Start

Start with one word or concept and add additional concepts as necessary.

Example

• Search scleroderma. Too many results? Be more specific.
• Search scleroderma AND thromboembolism

2. Avoid Acronyms if Possible

Many abbreviations or acronyms that are common in daily work and patient care may be unrecognized by databases. Acronyms can stand for more than one thing, causing a search to bring back results on a completely different topic.

Example

• Search Casting Motion to Mobilize Stiffness instead of CMMS

3. Watch Use of Quotation Marks

Generally, using quotation marks keeps exact phrases together, for example "occupational therapy". Exercise caution here. A database, like PubMed, may not recognize the quoted phrase — especially when used in combination with a field command.

Example

• Search "Wheelchair Skills Test Questionnaire"[Title/Abstract]. No results?
• Break the phrase down. Try "Wheelchair Skills Test"[Title/Abstract] AND Questionnaire[Title/Abstract]