MEDLINE: PubMed and Ovid Platforms: OvidSP

OvidSP is a commercial platform used for searching MEDLINE, Embase, and other databases at Weill Cornell.  Ovid's search interface and powerful workspace make it a favorite for researchers conducting systematic reviews.

• Use Advanced Search for comprehnsive searches
• Searching one database at a time is highly recommended
• Advanced Search uses a combination of Subject Headings and/or Keywords
• A step-by-step search approach is required

Example: Warfarin treatment for heart failure in men

Step 1: Enter a single term in the search box (warfarin, heart failure, men)

Step 2: Make sure "Map Term to Subject Heading" box is ticked to determine if your term exists as a subject heading

Step 3: The mapping display shows the best matches

• Tick explode box to include all specific terms below your highlighted search
• Tick focus box to retrieve only MAJOR topics
• Click on Scope Note to see a definition of a term
• Subheadings refine your subject heading further, concentrating on specific areas

Step 4: Repeat process for additional search terms

Step 5: Combine searches with the Boolean Operators AND or Or using Search History

Filters allow you to make your search results more relevant.  Filters allow you to limit your search results by date, article type, and other characteristics. Be careful when applying filters as the newest material added to the database may be eliminated from your results.  Some Filters are MeSH terms and their use limits retrieval to indexed MEDLINE records.

Ovid Platform Filtering Results feature:

• Appears in Results Tools section
• Displays when applicable
• Indicates "Filters Applied" in results table when chosen
• Select All option to clear filters