Q. How do I search for information on a specific topic?

To undertake a search for latest information or articles on a specific topic, we recommend you use CKN Databases (link below; then click on More Details for a description of each database's coverage).

Alternatively, you can use 'Search for Journal articles' on CKN home page. Note, you'll probably retrieve lots of references using this search box. It searches across a number of databases at the same time (like a google search for CKN!). Contact LKC for help with how to refine your results.

If you have a specific topic, consider going to specialised databases to search, for example:

• AustHealth (Informit) databases - cover a number of topics like Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health, Criminology, Public Affairs, Sports Medicine, etc with Australian content
• CINAHL - covers Nursing & Allied Health literature
• ERIC - for education research
• Medline or PubMed - provides broad medical, clinical coverage
• Pscyinfo - for psychological, psychiatry and mental health literature
• Socindex - this database covers sociology topics, social work, etc

The advantage of searching CKN databases (eg over PubMed & Google Scholar) is that you will be able to access more full text articles (available via CKN) or there will be links to Find it @ CKN or request articles from your library.

Still can't find the information you need? Need help with searching techniques? Contact LKC team to book in for a personalised training session.

You can also check our Searching for evidence guide (especially the Literature Review page) for more tips and help.

LKC can also do literature searches for CHHHS & TCHHS staff as long as it's for patient care or work purposes. We can coach you in developing your search strategy if it's for personal study; this includes students on placement at Cairns Hospital.