In this tutorial, you will learn how to conduct a 
basic search using the CINAHL databases. In 
addition, we look at how to access 
Evidence-Based Care Sheets and Quick 
Lessons on CINAHL Complete and the CINAHL 
Plus databases. 
We begin by conducting a keyword search from 
the Basic Search screen with the available 
Search Options opened. Enter migraine in the 
search box and select the Full Text limiter to 
restrict results to those including full text only.
 
You can apply additional limiters to your search 
such as Peer Reviewed and References 
Available. 
Search Modes enable you to automatically 
place an OR between search terms by clicking 
the radio button for the Find any of my search 
terms search mode. To place an AND between 
your search terms, select the Find all my 
search terms search mode. Place a check in 
the box for Apply related words to further 
expand your results. After applying your limiters 
or expanders, click Search.
Under Limit To, use the date slider to narrow 
your results by date. Simply drag either end of 
the slider towards the middle. You can also 
refine your results even further by clicking the 
Show More link. 
 
The Result List can include links to source 
types, such as CEUs (continuing education unit 
modules), Research Instruments, and Quick 
Lessons. Click the Show More link to view all 
available Source Types.
 
Click on a Full Text link to read an article. 
 
 
Click on the folder icon to collect results in the 
temporary session folder. To save results 
beyond the current session, click the Sign In 
link and either sign in to an existing My 
EBSCOhost folder account, or create a new 
folder account free of charge.
Searching for subject terms can also be useful. 
The CINAHL Editorial staff has assigned 
subject terms based on article content, allowing 
you to create a targeted search. When you 
check the Suggest Subject Terms box above 
the search box prior to conducting a search, 
your terms are searched against the CINAHL 
Headings authority. From there, you can select 
headings and subheadings to refine your 
search. 
 
 
You can also click on the CINAHL Headings link 
along the top toolbar to browse for appropriate 
subject terms. For more information on 
searching using subject headings, see the 
“Using CINAHL/MeSH Headings” tutorial on the 
EBSCO Support Site. The ability to search 
CINAHL Headings is available in all of the 
CINAHL databases. 
 
When you are searching the CINAHL Plus 
databases or CINAHL Complete, you can click 
on the Evidence-Based Care Sheets link 
in the top toolbar or Quick Lessons under the 
More link to view a list of all available topics. 
Simply check the box in front of any item 
on the list and click on the Search button.
 
 
The document is displayed in the result list. 
Click the PDF Full Text link to view the Quick 
Lesson or Evidence-Based Care Sheet. To 
access the CINAHL Continuing Education Unit 
Modules, click the CE Module link and follow 
the directions to enroll with CINAHL.
At any time, click on the Help link to view the 
complete online help system.
