Performing a literature search

 
1. Introduction 5. Boolean operators
2. Search strategies 6. Summary points
3. Search features 7. Useful databases
4. Optional features 8. Further help

Boolean operators

After identifying all the keywords, synonyms and phrases within a search, use the Boolean operators 'AND', 'OR'  'NOT' to combine them together.

Using OR

Use OR to combine similar concepts. For example,

“mobile app$”' OR 'mobile application$' OR “mobile phone” or "mobile telephone$"

Using AND

Use AND to combine two (or more) different concepts. For example,

“mobile app$”' OR 'mobile application$' OR “mobile phone” OR "mobile telephone$" AND

effectiveness OR “change behavio?r” OR education

This search will find references that contain ALL of the two sets of keywords/synonyms. 

Using NOT

Use NOT to eliminate items from the search.

Example:

“mobile app$”' OR 'mobile application$' OR “mobile phone” AND

effectiveness OR “change behavio?r” OR education NOT

'United States' OR 'US' OR 'USA'

This will remove all references relating to the USA from your results.

Test your understanding

Which boolean operators would you use to find information about "patient referrals" in the UK?

1. Patient referrals AND UK

2. Patient referrals OR UK

3. Patient referrals NOT UK

Answer

2. Patient referrals AND UK

Patient referrals OR UK - this will bring up results where both topics are found, but not necessarily within the same reference

Patient referrals NOT UK - this will only bring up references which mention patient referrals outside of the UK

Patient referrals AND UK - this will bring up references where both of the concepts (patient referrals  and the UK) and mentioned in the same reference - hence these will be more relevant.

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