Is there an easy way to identify controlled trials, case studies, etc.?
Answer
Two efficient ways to locate journal articles of this nature are by use of built-in database limiters or through the use of those terms in your search string. For example, CINAHL’s limiters (scroll down from the search windows) include “Evidence Based Practice”, “Randomized Controlled Trials”, “Clinical Queries”, and “Publication Type”:
In ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health advanced search, similar Limiter tools are available:
If you don’t see a Limiter tool, add the terms for that kind of research to your search string (“case study”, “randomized trial”, “controlled trial”).
Focus on databases which focus on the scientific field of interest (e.g.CINAHL, Science Direct, MEDLINE, etc.).