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How to search in the health sciences

To view this video in full screen:

  1. play the video
  2. click on the "cog" icon
  3. select "enter full screen"
  4. to exit full screen hit the escape (ESC) key

To view this video in full screen:

  1. play the video
  2. click on the "cog" icon
  3. select "enter full screen"
  4. to exit full screen hit the escape (ESC) key

How to search using subject headings

To find subject headings for your topic:

  • Look to see if the database has an online thesaurus to browse for subjects that match your topic, and then search the database using that subject heading 
    • PubMed = MeSH
    • Medline = MeSH
    • EMBASE = EMTREE Thesaurus
    • CINAHL = CINAHL Headings
  • Check the Help pages for how to search for and use subject headings in your database
  • Search Google for video tutorials on how to use subject headings in your database

Another way to find subject headings:

  • Start with a keyword search, using words/phrases that describe your topic.
  • Browse the results; choose 2 or 3 that are relevant.
  • Look at the Subject or Descriptor field and note the terms used (write them down).
  • Redo your search using those terms.
  • Your results will be more precise than your initial keyword search.