A database search is a query created and performed in one or more (literature) databases to retrieve studies relevant to an information need. Searches need to be adapted to the differing functionality and search syntax that may characterise different databases. Searching using subject headings and text words is supported in most databases. Complex search queries can be created using word truncation, phrase searches, word adjacency, limits (such as date or publication type) or Boolean terms (‘AND, ‘OR’…) to combine different concepts.
How to cite: Database Search [online]. (2016). York; York Health Economics Consortium; 2016. https://yhec.co.uk/glossary/database-search/