PubMed Tips for Expert Searchers*

This class covers several advanced concepts in the use of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) for searching via PubMed. Topics include the contents of PubMed and how this related to MeSH indexing, field searching, effective use of subheadings, free floating subheadings, and examples of commonly confused terms, narrowing your search to human-related studies.

Course Objectives:

1. Explain the content of the PubMed database (MEDLINE, PMC, Bookshelf) and how this relates to MeSH indexing.
2. Locate and identify the available fields in the Advanced Search Builder
3. Explain how to build a search using the Advanced Search builder
4. Locate and use MEDLINE Resources Guide to assist with field searching
5. Construct a search strategy to narrow results to human-related studies
6. Identify useful subheadings 
7. Employ free-floated subheadings in a search
8. Employ pharmacological actions to include drug groups in your search.

Agenda:

5 minutes: Pre-test

10 minutes: Explain the content of the PubMed database (MEDLINE, PMC, Bookshelf) and how this relates to MeSH indexing.
5 minutes: Locate and identify the available fields in the Advanced Search Builder
5 minutes: Explain how to build a search using the Advanced Search builder
15 minutes: Locate and use MEDLINE Resources Guide to assist with field searching
15 minutes: Construct a search strategy to narrow results to human-related studies
20 minutes: Identify useful subheadings 
10 minutes: Employ free-floated subheadings in a search
30 minutes: Employ pharmacological actions to include drug groups in your search.

5 minutes: Post-test

MLA CE Credit: 2