Evidence-Based Practice / Unit 3 EBP 0365 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Conducting a Systematic Search
The idea
The technique: build the PICOT question, take keywords from its elements, choose at least two appropriate databases, search each term singly, map keywords to subject headings, join synonyms with OR and concepts with AND, apply limits deliberately, then record the history, the date and the yield per database.
In practice
A question on mentorship and compassion fatigue. Four elements, four keyword sets. Two databases chosen. Each term searched alone to see its count. Synonyms joined with OR, then the sets joined with AND. One limit applied, for study design. Twelve records retained. History saved, date recorded, yield noted per database.
Where people slip
Every step in this technique discards records. A searcher who cannot say what was discarded, and at which step, cannot say what was found.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
- 0302A Systematic Search
- 0304More Than One Source
- 0305The Body of Evidence
- 0337Start From the PICOT Question
- 0338Take Keywords From the Question
- 0342Subject Headings
- 0345Choose the Databases Before Searching
- 0346Search Terms One at a Time
- 0348Boolean Connectors
- 0351Build Search Statements in Steps
- 0354Limits
- 0357Save the Search History
- 0358A Search Is Dated
- 0360Yield
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Evidence-Based Practice