How to undertake a literature search: enhancing your search

Br J Nurs. 2020 Apr 23;29(8):481-483. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.8.481.

Abstract

This article follows on from a previous article on how to carry out a literature search (Watson, 2020) and looks at how you can enhance your search by going beyond journal databases to using search engines, websites and grey literature sources. Ways to evaluate the resources you find, the use of critical appraisal tools and factors to consider when presenting your results are also discussed.

Keywords: Critical appraisal; Evaluating resources; Grey literature; Literature search; Search engines.

MeSH terms

  • Bias
  • Databases, Bibliographic*
  • Humans
  • Information Storage and Retrieval / methods*
  • Internet
  • Periodicals as Topic
  • Search Engine*