CINAHL

This page is intended to provide step-by-step guidance to creating a search on CINAHL. Check out our Guide to the Basics, which reviews Boolean operators and how to use them. 

CINAHL Search

The search screen below is the starting point for all CINAHL searches. These boxes help create a search using Boolean logic. Each box can be used to search on different concepts.

Analyze your research question and identify what your main key concepts are. Each box will contain a separate key concept. Remember to add as many similar terms or synonyms with an "OR" to each concept to help broaden your search results. CINAHL defaults to three search boxes, but you can add as many boxes as you need.

Example: Does caffeine have an effect on children?

Limiting Search Fields

CINAHL defaults to searching all fields. In order to get more accurate search results, it is recommended to limit to title or abstract. You cannot select more than one field. Please see **Full Search Example** to see how to search on both title and abstract.

Combining Searches

Combining searches can be helpful when you want to build a more comprehensive search strategy. Searches can be combined using AND or OR. When you combine searches using AND you will narrow your results. When you combine searches using OR you will broaden your results. 

1. To combine searches you will go to "Recent Activity" on the left hand side. This will show all your recent search history. 

2. You will want to select the searches you want to combine

3. This is where you will want identify what operator you want to combine with AND, OR, or NOT. 

Remember:

• Use AND to find results that contain all of the specified search terms. 
• Use OR to find results that contain at least one of the specified search terms, including synonyms or variations of a concept. 
• Use NOT to exclude specific keywords from your search, but use it with caution as you might miss relevant information

4. Once you select your chosen operator, you can search on your combined searches. 

You can also combine searches by simply typing the combined search in the search box. 

Limiting Results

Users can limit the amount of results generated by a search by setting Limits. Limits can be found on the search results screen, once a search has been completed. To see all limit options, select the "All Filters" button.