For each keyword or concept in your research topic, come up with any and all synonyms. Not all keywords will have synonyms, but many do.
For example, "Emergency Department" could be presented as "Emergency Room" OR "Emergency Ward" OR "Emergency Hospital Services".
Consider regional spelling differences. For example, leukemia could also be presented as leukaemia OR Leucocythaemia OR Leucocythemia. Pediatric could also be paediatric.
Incorporate medical terminology with plain language. For example, cancer OR neoplasms.
Include acronyms and abbreviations when needed. For example, AIDS OR "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome". ADHD OR "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder".
| Search engines | Google and other search engines can be a starting point to find alterative words for your search concepts. | Library resources like using DragonSearch can be useful. |
Abstracts and subjects |
When searching for sources using the keywords, you will identify new keywords from article and book abstracts, subject terms and titles. You can revise your searches with new keywords and continue the process until you find relevant sources. | These can be found in library resources when gathering background information in databases or point of care resources like DynaMed Plus, AccessMedicine or Clinical Key. |
| Subject headings |
Subject headings describe the topic of a paper, similar to tags or hashtags. They are pre-defined, controlled vocabulary that standardizes and pulls together synonyms, alternate spellings, and different word endings. |
These can be found in library resources when gathering foreground information in databases like PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and other subject specific resources. |