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Searching in the CINAHL database: Searching in the CINAHL database

Overview: Please Read this First

The example below shows how CINAHL Ultimate database  can be used to construct a search for a clinical question. Let's say I am interested in research on wound care and preventing pressure ulcers. This gives me two different ideas to search, which I want to combine: 

  • "wound care" OR "wound healing" OR "wound management" OR "wound treatment"
  • "pressure ulcers" OR "bed sores" OR "pressure sores" OR "pressure injury" 

Because I read this example's assignment guidelines, I know I need to find articles that meet the following criteria:

  • Full Text
  • Peer Reviewed
  • Nothing older than 5 years
  • One of the authors needs to be a nurse

Searching in the CINAHL Database

To begin, I add in my search terms:

 

And then I scroll down and add any limits required by my assignment guidelines

 

Now, it is time to Search!

Screenshot of CINAHL search button

 

The best way to learn this or any database is to try different searches and see what articles you find. Happy searching! 

 

Finding the Permalink in CINAHL

How to save the search criteria

After searching, to save the search criteria, save the link at the top of the browser. Note: It updates the search each time so this is a good way to save the search strategy but not individual articles. Additional note: This only works in CINAHL and other databases hosted by EBSCO. Most databases do not permanently let you save the link at the top of the browser. 

A screenshot showing how to save a search strategy in CINAHL

How to save individual articles

To save individual articles, click on the article title. Then look at the upper-right of the title where you will see different tools. There are other useful options in this section, too, such as citation and download. After clicking on the share arrow and emailing yourself an article, it is a good habit to check your email to make sure you have received the article before closing the page. 

Screenshot showing how to share and save individual articles in CINAHL

Lastly, it is a smart idea to save articles in multiple places (e.g. download the article to your computer, email it to yourself, print it out). That way you have a back-up in case there are any issues later. 

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