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Embase on Ovid – Database Content and Display

How to retrieve and display a single article reference, cited in two different databases, Embase on Ovid and Ovid MEDLINE, in order to compare the content and format of the database record for the respective resource.

Databases – Combinations

Ovid Training Team

2025-03-12

39 visits

Background

Embase, produced by the academic publishing and information analytics company Elsevier B.V., is one of the largest and most comprehensive Abstracting and Indexing (A&I) database for peer-reviewed biomedical information. The Embase database covers all disciplines of medical and biomedical science as well as Allied Health subjects.

Embase on Ovid – Facts and Figures (1)

  • A bibliographic database, Embase is made up of over 41 million database records.
  • Over 1.7 million records are added each year.
  • Database records are indexed using Emtree, the Elsevier Life Science Thesaurus.
  • Conference materials, currently at over 5 million records, have been included since 2009.
  • Preprint records, from several sources, have been included since November 2021.
  • All database records are indexed using automated means and procedures.
  • Records pertaining to diseases, drugs and devices undergo further manual indexing.

Training Session Programme

This Learning Pathway series of training modules draws upon the content and teaching approaches in and behind the learning resource OvidGO! (2). Constructed around a selection of focused searches, the training programme has been designed to achieve the following two objectives,

  1. to introduce the database, Embase on Ovid, drawing upon where helpful, parallels and comparisons with Ovid MEDLINE,
  2. to discuss, demonstrate and practice the key features and functionality of the database Embase on Ovid. 

(1) Reference for the above is the Embase Indexing Guide 2024.
(2). See https://tools.ovid.com/ovidgo/       

This focused search, conducted across two databases (Embase on Ovid and Ovid MEDLINE) in a single session, retrieves two versions of the same article. One version is from Embase on Ovid, the other from Ovid MEDLINE. By comparing these two versions (it is suggested in two different browser windows) you will be able to compare the similarities and differences in the respective displays of each of the records.

Points to note:

  • There are a range of similarities and differences between A&I bibliographic databases.
  • Similarities include the way in which the records are constructed, editorial processes, the use of controlled vocabularies for indexing, limits, author keyword inclusion, how the records may be searched and how the results are displayed.
  • However, differences may also be evident in these very areas, i.e. in way in which the records are constructed, editorial processes, the use of controlled vocabularies for indexing, author keyword inclusion, how the records may be searched and how the results are displayed etc.
  • An awareness of the similarities and differences between A&I bibliographic databases will make for a better understanding of them and help in the construction of search strategies.

Instructions:

  1. Logon to Ovid, select Embase <1974 to Present> and Ovid MEDLINE <1946 to Present>.
  2. Select the Advanced Search / Title mode.
  3. Enter the article title as the search for this focused search as listed below.
  4. Alternatively, having not yet logged on,  <Click here> to run this focused search above in Ovid.

[Prioritization of research questions in health crises-presentation of a concept developed during the COVID-19 pandemic]

which yields...

"[Prioritization of research questions in health crises-presentation of a concept developed during the COVID-19 pandemic]".m_titl.

Questions:

  1. Do both versions display the same Keyword Headings? If so, why is this the case?
  2. How many major topics are listed in each of the two bibliographic records?
  3. You want to send an e-mail to the corresponding author. Which record provides the relevant information?

 

Search Stategy

"[Prioritization of research questions in health crises-presentation of a concept developed during the COVID-19 pandemic]".m_titl.

 

Launch Search

Reviewers

Primary: Michael Fanning

Secondary: Charlotte Viken

Review Date: 2025-03-12

Expiry Date: 2026-03-10

Original search produced by:

Ovid Training Team

Citation:

OvidGO! Portal. Focused Searches: Embase on Ovid – Database Content and Display [Internet]. London (UK): Ovid Training Team (Editors); 2025 [updated 2 March 2024; cited 10 March 2025]. Available from: https://tools.ovid.com/ovidgo/searches/view.php?id=101