Why combine searches?
It is possible to narrow search results by combining two or more searches (subject headings and/or keyword searches) using boolean operators and other search strategies.
The Search History tab lists all the searches you have conducted in the current session. From this list, you can combine searches to broaden or narrow the search results.
Search History
Combine Searches Example
Steps in how to combine searches:
- From the results page, click on Search History.
- A list of all the searches performed in current session will be available.
- Combine searches using the appropriate Boolean operators (AND OR and NOT). When combining searches it is best to combine OR search terms first, then NOT and finally AND.
- Ensure the search box is empty clicking on Clear.
- For our search on the topic, we performed the searches above.
- To combine the searches to find articles that discuss the nursing theories in relation to spiritual care, click on the check boxes beside S1 and S2.
- Click on Search with AND. This becomes S3. The results will display articles containing:
- ((MM "Nursing Models, Theoretical+") OR (MM "Nursing Theory+")) AND ((MM "Spirituality") OR (MM "Spiritual Care"))
- Limit your results by clicking on "Show more" in the blue box on the left, under "Refine your results". Click on the checkboxes in front of Peer Reviewed and Research Articles. Click Search.
