How to Search in the Health Sciences: Fields

• Records in library databases are comprised of fields containing specific pieces of bibliographic information. Common fields include:
  • title
  • authors
  • source
  • publication type
  • language
  • subject headings
  • abstract
  • entry date (publication date)
  • doi
• There are many additional fields that can be searched in most databases

Example of a CINAHL record with common fields highlighted

• Limiting your search to specific fields in a database can yield more precise results:
  • Search in the Author field to find articles by William Osler, if you just do a keyword search on William Osler you will find article about and by him
  • Searching for terms and phrases in the subject heading field (must be the precise term/phrase - see subject headings for more information on this) will yield articles more directly related to your topic
  • Searching for terms and phrases in the article title field may also yield articles more directly related to your topic
• Look for the Advanced Search page to search specific fields in a database
• Below are examples of Field searching in PubMed (Advanced Search option). CINAHL (Advanced Search option), and SCOPUS (default search page)

CINAHL

Scopus

Searching Basics

1. Create a Searchable Question
2. Boolean Operators
3. Search Strategy
4. Did you get what you need?

Specific Skills

Searching