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Types and Levels of Evidence for Nutrition/Dietetic Research

Describes different types of evidence and provides strategies for finding specific types of articles for Nutrition students

Searching for Review Articles

This page introduces you to various database search strategies for locating review articles using keywords, subject headings, and filtering techniques.  First, review the chart for applicable keywords, CINAHL subject headings for searching in the CINAHL database, and MESH terms for searching in the PubMed and other medical/nutrition databases.

Then, note specific filters that you can apply in CINAHL and PubMed to find review articles more quickly.

Search Strategies for General, CINAHL, and PubMed

Run a keyword search (all fields or title/abstract) on your topic plus one of the following:

  • systematic review
  • scoping review
  • review
  • literature review
  • meta-analysis
  • scoping review
  • narrative review
  • integrative review
  • critical review
  • umbrella review
  • rapid review
  • rapid scoping review
  • overview
  • state-of-the-art review

This is a non-exhaustive list of CINAHL subject headings you may consider searching for when setting up your search strategy:

  • Systematic Review
  • Scoping Review
  • Literature Review
  • Meta Analysis

This is a non-exhaustive list of MESH terms you may consider searching for when setting up your search strategy:

  • Systematic Review [Publication Type]
  • Scoping Review [Publication Type]
  • Review [Publication Type]
  • Meta-Analysis [Publication Type]

CINAHL Database Filters

CINAHL utilizes filters that can help you locate review articles more efficiently. Try using the following filter. After you run a search, below the last search box, you will see a "Filters" tab. Scroll down to find the Publication Type dropdown box. Scroll and select Systematic Review.

1. Systematic Review

Here is a screenshot:

Publication type and filter for Systematic Review

 

PubMed Database Filters

PubMed utilizes filters that can help you locate review articles more efficiently. Try using the following filters located under Article Type:

Systematic review filter under Article Type in PubMed

Additional Filters

Go to Article Type Filter

Click on See all article type filters. Select:

  • Scoping Review

And many others to explore....

Visit the PubMed User Guide for an exhaustive list of Article Types.

See screenshot of Additional Filters:

Scoping review filter in PubMed

Library Guide Resources to Teach You to Search