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Getting the Most Out of CINAHL: Filters

An overview of using CINAHL to find information on nursing and allied health disciplines.

Popular Filters

Based on your search topic and course assignment, consider including these popular filter options in your search:

  • Language - Material published in the language specified.
  • Peer-Reviewed - Material published in peer-reviewed journals. Peer-reviewed journals are publications with articles that have been reviewed and/or qualified by a selected panel of acknowledged experts in the field of study covered by the journal.
  • Publication Date - Material published during the years or dates specified.
  • Research Article - Articles that are about a research study or examination of subject matter that uses investigational or experimental techniques. A research study includes data collection, subject selection, methodology, discussion of results, and application, if any.
  • Clinical Queries - Articles reporting on scientifically sound and clinical relevant studies. For more information about using Clinical Queries, see What are the search strategies used by CINAHL Clinical Queries?
  • Evidence-Based Practice (as a Special Interest)- Articles from evidence-based practice journal, articles about evidence-based practice, research articles (including systematic reviews, clinical trials, meta analyses, etc.), and commentaries on research studies (applying practice to research).

Applying Filters Before a Search

Limit options appear below search boxes.

Select the limits to apply to the search.

Remember the more limits selected, the narrower the search. In other words, you will find fewer citations.

           

Partial screenshot showing where Filter options are located on the search screen

Applying Filters After a Search

If your search finds too many results, you may refine your search by clicking on the All filters button below the search box to display a popup sidebar to the right of the displayed search results.

 

Partial screenshot showing the All Filters button on a search results page  

Click on the arrow icons Arrow icon to display the options for each filter category.

Select the filters that you want to use.

Click on the blue Apply button to refresh the results.

           

Screenshot All filters

 

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