Developing the search: filters
2004 version 2
24 May 2004
Applying filters
Filters can be used to limit searches to particular research methodologies in order to tease out evidence-based clinical information on therapy, diagnosis, aetiology or prognosis with emphasis on either sensitivity or specificity (recall or relevance). Filters for systematic reviews (meta-analyses) and randomised controlled trials have also been developed. Examples of these and links to websites with more are found in Appendix 7.
Relevance filters are helpful in limiting a search in a more sophisticated way than by date or review articles for example. If you are going to use these regularly we advise entering the search terms for each filter then saving each with a meaningful name eg TherapySpecific (see saving search history).
Use a filter after combining your own search concepts together. Execute your saved filter search (or type it in) and combine that with and with your own subject search result. Additional limits can then be added as required.
Any questions? Please contact the MEDLINE Plus help desk:
Tel: 020 7383 6224 or 6737
email: info.medline@bma.org.uk
web: http://www.bma.org.uk/medline