The search interface for OVID databases (e.g., CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO) was recently
updated. There are many similarities between the old and new versions, and we have set the
default search to OVID Syntax, which retains the functionality of the previous interface. Some
new features with the latest release include:
- The “View All Abstracts” option allows scrolling through results lists that include abstracts
- The “Find Citation” option can be used to retrieve a complete article citation when you have
incomplete bibliographic information
- When viewing a single record there is a “Similar Article” box in the left side bar listing related
articles
- You can receive database search updates and electronic tables of contents via RSS feeds
- New sort options are available for result sets, e.g., publication type or country of publication
Other changes include:
- It is necessary to click “Search History” in order to view all but the current set in your search,
for example, when you want to combine results
- It is necessary to click “Limits” to view basic options such as English and then “Additional Limits”
to view choices such as age groups and publication types
- Results Manager is now in the left sidebar and more accessible
- The Basic Search, intended for novice users, ranks results in relevancy order based on natural
language and related terms. We experienced mixed results with this option. For
instance, related terms for migraine headache included anencephaly.
A search guide, the OVIDSP Quick Reference Card, is available
online for additional information: http://www.ovid.com/site/pdf/ovidsp_qrc_merged_HQ.pdf |
