Searching EMBASE with Keywords

You’ve just searched EMBASE using EMTREE headings (EMBASE’s indexing terms).  Unfortunately, EMBASE indexing is not perfect.

Here’s a summary of the steps in the EMBASE indexing process:

• EMBASE records are initially computer-indexed.
  • EMBASE indexing is essentially instant, and there is no section of EMBASE that lacks EMTREE headings (there is no unindexed record set).
• The computer ‘indexer’ assigns headings, but doesn’t assign subheadings or routes
• Records for full journal articles are eventually re-indexed by a human indexer who adds regular subheadings and route subheadings.
  • Some records, like records for conference abstracts never receive attention from a human indexer and, thus, never have subheadings.
• Cindy’s impression after a lot of EMBASE searching:  EMBASE’s computer and human indexers are good at recognizing drug names, but not as good at recognizing administration routes or other concepts.

Implications:

• Try EMTREE searches first
• If you need a more thorough search, OR keywords for a concept with the EMTREE  headings for the concept or run a separate keyword search.  Especially if:
  • your EMTREE search includes regular drug or disease subheadings or drug route subheadings.
  • your EMTREE search contains non-drug concepts.