This page is all about saving you time while improving the quality of your searches.
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 - move the position of search lines, add and remove terms, etc.
Avoid inconvenient timeouts while editing on the Ovid platform, especially if working with longer, more complex strategies.
Simply paste a plain text version of your search strategy or search history into the search launcher, and from the 'Choose databases' drop down menu select the database you want to search, and then click outside the menu to retain your selection. The codes below align with the UniSA subscriptions. It is recommended to search one database at a time.
You may find the tools below useful through the search process.
A sample set of references that would be eligible for inclusion in your review can be a valuable tool. You can:
Developing your sample set:
'Mining' your sample set - search for the reference in MEDLINE and see if it is included (tip: search by Title). If it is, look at the Complete Reference and see what terms appear in the Title, Abstract, Subject Headings, Keyword Heading and any other relevant fields.
Testing search performance - search for the reference in MEDLINE and see if it is included (tip: search by Title). If it is, combine it with the final line of your search strategy using AND. If the record still appears, your search would have located this record, which is a positive indicator. If not, then review your strategy to see why this might have occurred (e.g. a missing keyword or subject heading, or too narrow a search).
You may not be able to edit your strategy to locate all of your test set - for example, some records are poorly indexed. However you should be able to locate most.