
Database searching in health and life sciences
The main databases used in systematic reviewing are:
Database | Theasaurus used | Duplicates? |
CINAHL | CINAHL headings | automatically removed |
Medline | MeSH | automatically removed |
Proquest Central | Proquest | automatically removed |
PsycInfo | PSycINFO | automatically removed |
EMBASE (on NHS Knowledge Network) | EMtree | no information |
MIDIRS | MIDIRS subject headings | not automatically removed, use ..dedup (search number) |
Planex (good for Social Work) | Idox | not removed |
Web of Science | KeyWords Plus | not removed |
If you are following a set search protocol, it may specify which databases you should search. There are many more databases available, you can consult our A-Z database list or the subject guide for your area. Help sheets are available on our A-Z list. If you are still unsure, consult your librarian.