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When you have run your search, select the number of results to the right of the final search line to view your search results.
Results are grouped by database and the number of results found within each database is displayed below the database name. The Cochrane Reviews are displayed first by default. Select any of the other tabs to view a different category of results.
The options are:
You can find out more about each database in the What is the Cochrane Library? section of this guide.
To preview the abstract for a single search result, select Show Preview beneath the result. To view previews of abstracts for all the results in the list, select the Show all previews link above the list of results.
Search results are automatically sorted by Relevancy. You can use the Order by drop-down menu, above the first result in the list, to change the sort order to title, or publication date.
You can change the number of results per page using the drop-down menu above the search results, to the right of the screen. 25 results per page is the default.
Cochrane Library records include unique identifiers, which can be used to search for specific records within the database. Every review, protocol, or trial is assigned a unique identifying number as it is added to the relevant Cochrane Library database.
Cochrane Reviews and Cochrane Protocols are given a unique Cochrane Database number (CD number). When a review is updated, or revised, the new version will be given a new DOI, but the CD number will remain the same.
A search for a specific CD number will also find any Cochrane Clinical Answers that have used the data from that specified review to answer a clinical question.
All trials in the CENTRAL database are given a unique CN number.
You can search for CD numbers and CN numbers by using the Cochrane Library's Search Manager screen, or by using one of the basic Search options and selecting All Text from the search fields drop-down menu.
A Digital Object Identifier (or DOI) is a permanent, stable link to a specific item online. It is more stable than a URL, as URLs can change, for example if an organisation re-structures its website. You might see the DOI in a reference list or bibliography, as it is a reliable way to locate articles online.
