Nursing and Allied Health Information Resources: Library Research Checklist

This guide should be useful to nursing and allied health majors.

PICO Checklist

1. Identify and define your topic. What are you looking for?

Take the time to write down your topic as a question and consider all aspects of the topic. Be specific about what you want to discover about your topic. Then, break out key ideas or concepts. One method to try is PICO, which stands for P (patient/problem/population), I (intervention/treatment), C (comparison to the intervention/treatment or control), and O (outcome).

2. Find background information on your topic (retrospective research).

Use textbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, directories, and other guides to help set your research context. Make a list of keywords and phrases that describe the concepts of your topic. These should include synonyms, variations in spelling (US vs UK), word endings (singular, plural), variant terminology (electrocardiograms, electrocardiography, ECG, EKG), and related terms/concepts (cataract extraction, intraocular lens implantation).

3. Set parameters for your search.

Combine keywords and phrases using terms such as "OR" and "AND" (known as Boolean operators) to broaden or narrow your search results. Apply limits and filters to narrow your search, for example, a date range or language. A date limit may be helpful, particularly when a search retrieves too many results. Date limits may also be helpful if your question involves more recent technology or practice (e.g., ""digital hearing aids", "telemedicine"). You can also limit by publication type, such as randomized control trials, case studies, etc.

4. Stay organized.

Write down or keep track of the key terms searched, the databases used, and the search parameters applied. Keep track of your search results. This will help you identify the most effective search terms, eliminate duplicate citations, and ultimately save you time.

5. Explore various resources (primary, secondary and tertiary) to find information on your topic.

Search article indexes to find journal articles on your topic. Search in broad interdisciplinary indexes, but don’t forget to use subject-specific databases. Article indexes are sources of both primary and secondary resources. Use books, government reports, printed statistical material, and other resources (both print and electronic). Search the Internet for unique, authoritative, web-based resources. Government websites often offer statistical information and data sets.

6. Evaluate what you find.

Take a look at your results. Are you finding too much or too little on your topic? Refine your topic if necessary to either broaden or narrow its scope. You may need to try different resources or terms, or look into article indexes that you had passed over earlier.

7. Don’t forget to properly cite what you find.

Keep detailed notes about what you find and where you found it.

THIS RESEARCH OR "LIBGUIDE" WAS PRODUCED BY THE LIBRARIANS OF MONROE UNIVERSITY

EMAIL: library@monroeu.edu -- Bronx Campus (646) 393-8333 / New Rochelle Campus (914)-740-6437