Basic Searching on the KRS Website
Learn how to conduct a quick search on the KRS website
Finding Literature in MEDLINE
Learn how to conduct a search in MEDLINE.
Finding Literature in CINAHL
Learn how to conduct a search in CINAHL.
Introduction to Grey Literature
Learn how to search for and assess the quality of grey literature.
Start by determining your PURPOSE in conducting a critical appraisal of the literature. Ensure that you are clear about WHY you are gathering evidence and HOW you intend to use it. Being clear about WHY you are gathering evidence will help you develop your search strategy by:
For example, if your purpose is to develop or adapt clinical guidelines, consider looking for evidence in both published literature and grey literature. It is important to select critical appraisal tools that match your purpose. For developing or adapting clinical guidelines, look for tools specific to appraising guidelines rather than those appraising a randomized control trial (RCT), a meta-analysis or a systematic review.
Learn more about how to Identify Appropriate Sources of Evidence
Learn more about how to Plan and Execute Your Search
There are several tools that can assist you in developing your research question. A tool like PICOT is useful for developing clinical questions. The PICOTS, SPICE, and SPIDER tools are particularly useful when examining interventions. Other tools such as ECLIPSE and PEO support looking at qualitative topics such as correlations/associations of risk factors/exposures, policy, improvement strategies, service outcomes.
Learn more on how to Ask a Searchable Question
PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration: updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021; 372 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n160 (Published 29 March 2021) Cite this as: BMJ 2021;372:n160
