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How to search

How to search

The next step is to decide where and how you will search for evidence to answer your systematic review question.

Move through the slide deck below to learn how to search. Alternatively, download the PDF document at the bottom of this box.

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Searching MEDLINE: Database in focus

Searching Embase: Database in focus

Searching PsycInfo: Database in focus

Easily edit searches with Ovid Search Launcher

Note: the Ovid Search Launcher works inconsistently off campus via Open Athens for complex queries. It may be best to plan your use of this tool for when you are on campus, if possible.

Ovid Search Launcher allows you to enter your search in plain text, and run it in any UniSA-subscribed database on Ovid. The Launcher provides a quick and easy way to edit your searches while avoiding inconvenient timeouts on the Ovid platform. There is a character limit (with spaces) of approximately 5,950 (most searches are not this long!).

Paste a plain text version of your search strategy into the search launcher, select the database you want to search from the 'Choose databases' drop down menu, and then click outside the menu to retain your selection.

Off campus users: select the OpenAthens authentication checkbox, and enter 'University of South Australia' when prompted to Find your institution. Select the option with UniSA logo.

The codes below align with the UniSA subscriptions. It is recommended to search one database at a time.

  • MEDLINE - medall
  • Embase - emczd
  • Emcare - emcr
  • PsycInfo - psyh
  • JBI - jbi

Guidelines and standards

‘If the search strategy was peer reviewed, report the peer review process used and specify any tool used, such as the Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS) checklist.’ - PRISMA 2020 Explanation and Elaboration, p. 7


Other standards

Check your search

Learn more about searching

The following sections of this guide explore the process of systematic searching in more detail. Select the links below to go to the relevant page.