How to Search in Biomedical Databases

Step-by-Step PubMed Search Tutorial

We encourage students, researchers, and faculty members throughout NEOMED's campus and at our clinical sites to use the following detailed tutorial explaining how to search in PubMed according to EBM/EBP standards. Each of the following pages goes in-depth with screenshots and how-to instructions, detailing how to complete a search from start to finish. Whether you are aiming to find a relevant set of articles for an assignment or embarking on a comprehensive literature review, the following steps should help ensure that you find a relevant and comprehensive set of articles on your topic.

Please contact the Reference Librarian at refdesk@neomed.edu if you have any questions or need any guidance on using this tutorial, or if you would like to meet for a consultation to go over your search topic.

Contents (click on items to jump ahead)

• Overview: Why should I use PubMed for evidence-based medicine and evidence-based practice?

• How to access PubMed at NEOMED

• Before you start searching, keep in mind . . .

  • Citation Management

  • My NCBI

  • Saving you search strategy in a word document

• Sample Search Topic & Objectives for PubMed Sample Search

• Search Steps:

  • Step #1: Identifying Search Concepts Using PICO

  • Step #2: Controlled Vocabularies -- How to Locate & Use MeSH Terms

    • Locate the Controlled Vocabulary (MeSH term) for your concepts

    • Important notes to keep in mind when using MeSH terms

      • Hierarchical Arrangement

      • Focus vs. Explode

      • Major Headings

      • Subheadings

    • Adding MeSH terms to the search box

  • ​Step #3: Locating & Using Keywords

    • How to find synonyms and be comprehensive

    • Applying field tags to keywords

    • Applying Boolean operators to keywords

  • Step #4: Combining MeSH & Keywords with the Boolean Operator OR (Part 1)

    • ​Adding field tags and Boolean operators to search for Atorvastatin using MeSH terms and keywords at the same time

  • Step #5: Combining MeSH & Keywords with with the Boolean Operator OR (Part 2)

    • ​Quick run-through for building a search string for memory loss using keywords and subject headings

    • Quick run-through for building a search string for females using keywords and subject headings

  • Step #6: Combining all Search Elements (PICO) Using the Boolean Operator AND

  • Step #7: Applying Filters & Adjusting your Initial Search

  • Step #8: How to Access Full Text, Use Interlibrary Loan & Export Results to a Citation Manager

    • ​Accessing Full Text at NEOMED

    • Accessing Interlibrary Loan (ILL) from PubMed at NEOMED 

    • Exporting Multiple Results from PubMed to citation management softwares, My NCBI & PubMed's Clipboard Feature

• More Information . . .