Systematically retrieving research – a case study evaluating seven databases

B.J. Taylor, E. Wylie, Martin Dempster, Michael Donnelly

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Citations (Scopus)
593 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objective: Developing the scientific underpinnings of social welfare requires effective and efficient methods of retrieving relevant items from the increasing volume of research. Method: We compared seven databases by running the nearest equivalent search on each. The search topic was chosen for relevance to social work practice with older people. Results: Highest sensitivity was achieved by Medline (52%), Social Sciences Citation Index (46%) and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (30%). Highest precision was achieved by AgeInfo (76%), PsycInfo (51%) and Social Services Abstracts (41%). Each database retrieved unique relevant articles. Conclusions: Comprehensive searching requires the development of information management skills. The social work profession would benefit from having a dedicated international database with the capability and facilities of major databases such as Medline, CINAHL, and PsycInfo.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)697-706
Number of pages10
JournalResearch on Social Work Practice
Volume17
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007

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