Field Codes
Why Use Field Codes
The Cochrane library cannot search the full text. Instead, it searches on several other fields to help with searching. These field codes can help further refine a search. In Cochrane, they are added to the end of every enclosed set of parentheses.
Field codes worth noting:
- :ab,ti - Title or Abstract
- :ti - Title
- :au - Author
- :pt - Publication type
A complete list of Cochrane's field code guide can be viewed here: Cochrane Library Field guide
It is often recommended to limit your search to Title or Abstract. Below is an example of how to do this in an advanced search
Using Field Codes
To limit a search to just title or abstract, you would add :ab,ti after an enclosed parenthesis
Filters
Users can limit the number of results generated by a search by using filters. Filters can be added when searching by clicking "Limits" on the right-hand side.
This will open up a window displaying all the filter options available as seen below.
Filters can also be added when you are viewing the results on the left-hand side.
Some of the filters worth noting include:
- Date Range
- Publication type
- Translations available