Is there a certain number of databases we should be searching for our literature search?
Answer
A comprehensive literature search requires searching multiple databases because no single source indexes all relevant journals. There is no magic number; instead, search as many databases as you need for your topic.
For example, a literature search on bariatric surgery would require databases such as CINAHL and Scopus, since some important journals in that subject area are not indexed in PubMed.
For nursing or allied health topics we recommend starting with PubMed or Scopus, and CINAHL, along with other subject‑specific databases available at MUSC. Because healthcare spans many disciplines—clinical care, behavioral science, education, policy, and business—it is best practice to search across a variety of subject-specific databases such as CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, Healthcare Administration Database, and others to avoid missing key evidence.
To save time, please reach out to your librarian for assistance selecting appropriate databases for your topic.