Lecture on Finding and Selecting MeSH Terms in PubMed

Introduction

• Presenter: Michelle Swapp
• Affiliation: Health Sciences Library
• Focus: Demonstration on using MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) in PubMed for better search results.

PubMed Database Basics

• Similar to Google: Allows keyword searches.
• Advantage: Using MeSH terms offers a more comprehensive search.

Steps to Use MeSH Terms

Accessing MeSH

• Click on the drop-down menu to select MeSH when using PubMed.
• Search one MeSH term at a time.

Example Search: Polypharmacy

• Screen Information:
  • Definition of MeSH term.
  • Year of introduction.
  • MeSH Tree: Organizes terms from broad to narrow (e.g., Therapeutics ➔ Polypharmacy).

Searching for "Nursing"

• Types "nurse" in MeSH database.
• Chooses the most relevant term (e.g., "nurses").
• Checks definition and MeSH Tree:
  • Process: Persons ➔ Health Personnel ➔ Nurses.
  • Subheading Options: Generally not used unless results are too broad.
• Adds term to the search builder and executes a PubMed search.

Additional Searches

Nursing Practice

• Examines terms related to nursing practice.
• Uses broader term "nursing" to include narrower terms (e.g., geriatric nursing).
• Adds to search builder and executes.

Nurse's Role

• Searches for "nurse's role" to examine tree position and adds it to search.

Saving and Reviewing Searches

• All search terms saved in the advanced screen of PubMed.
• Use saved terms to construct comprehensive searches later.

Tips for Finding Additional MeSH Terms

• Perform a keyword search if stuck.
• Click on relevant articles.
• Expand the MeSH Terms section in articles to find additional useful terms.

Conclusion

• Using MeSH terms enhances the quality and comprehensiveness of research in PubMed.
• Systematic approach helps in constructing effective searches for academic or clinical research.