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Why literature skills matter
Every piece of research you do requires finding, reading, and using published evidence. Literature searching and critical appraisal are foundational skills that make you a better researcher and a better doctor.
Start here if new to researchIf you are not sure where to begin, start with this guide. Learning to search PubMed and read papers critically will make every other type of research more manageable.
PubMed vs Google Scholar?⌄
PubMed indexes only peer-reviewed biomedical literature maintained by the US National Library of Medicine. Google Scholar indexes a much broader range including grey literature and does not filter for quality. Use PubMed as your primary database.
What is a peer-reviewed paper?⌄
A peer-reviewed paper has been assessed by independent experts before publication. Peer review is not perfect but is the minimum standard for evidence you should cite. Pre-prints not yet peer-reviewed should be treated with significant caution.
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Step by step guide
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Build your search strategy
Identify keywords, synonyms, and related terms. Use MeSH terms on PubMed. Combine using Boolean operators AND OR NOT.
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Filter your results
Use PubMed filters to narrow by date, study type, and age group. Save your search strategy to reproduce it.
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Read efficiently
Read the abstract first. If relevant, read introduction and conclusion. Only read full methods if directly relevant.
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Critically appraise
Ask: Is the study design appropriate? Is the sample size adequate? Are biases addressed? Are conclusions justified?
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Manage your references
Use Zotero or Mendeley (both free) from day one. They save citations automatically and insert references into Word.
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Use evidence in writing
Always paraphrase rather than quote. Synthesise across papers. Use hedging language: evidence suggests rather than this proves.
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Video walkthrough coming soon
A complete video guide for visual and auditory learners.
Coming soon3
Checklist
Click each item to mark complete.
PubMed account created and search skills practised
MeSH terms understood and used
Boolean operators AND OR NOT understood
Reference manager installed (Zotero or Mendeley)
CASP checklist downloaded for relevant study types
Able to distinguish study designs by evidence strength
Able to identify key sources of bias
Able to synthesise across papers
Hedging language used appropriately
References formatted consistently
Test your understanding
5 questions on the key concepts.
1. Primary database for peer-reviewed biomedical research?
2. What are MeSH terms?
3. What does Boolean AND do?
4. Best free reference management tool?
5. What is critical appraisal?