Each database you search will have a slightly different search interface and offer slightly different search options. However, the structure of your search strategy remains the same.
It is important that you explore the search options for each database you will search for the knowledge synthesis, and adapt the search strategy accordingly.
As an example, while CINAHL and Medline have many similar subject headings there are also many key differences. This requires you to spend some time searching the controlled vocabulary of each database for similar or comparative terms.
| Keyword | CINAHL Subject Heading | MeSH (Medline) |
| Heart Attack | Myocardial Infarction | Myocardial Infarction |
| Distance Education | Education, Non-Traditional | Education, Distance |
| Pregnant Women | Expectant Mothers | Pregnant Women |
| LGBT | LGBTQ+ Persons | Bisexuality OR Homosexuality* |
* note that while CINAHL has a subject heading for the term, MEDLINE requires that at least two different subject headings have to be combined to create an equivalent.
The syntax used in your search will depend on the platform accessing the database. For example, at UNBC a large number of databases use the EBSCO platform. These databases include CINAHL Complete, APA PsycInfo, Academic Search Complete, Medline, and several more.
The OVID platform can be used to access EBM Reviews or Medline.
There is a tip sheet below to help you with symbols used in three different platforms.
You will notice that there are many similarities. The truncation symbol * is common to almost all databases.
A search created in Medline on the Ovid platform (Click image to see larger image)
That same search translated to CINAHL on EBSCO (Click image to see larger image)
