Knowing which database(s) to use is a key first step. One of the databases you will most likely use is PubMed. You may also find good resources in
The following are details and some tips for each of these databases.
Not sure how to find your topic at one of these sites? Or, maybe, you don't like their search capability? You can let Google help. Now that you know about these organizations, use part of their URL and search with your topic. For example, Google:
health-care reform site:rwjf.org
This will bring up results for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation specifically dealing with health care reform.
If you search here, be sure to use good search technique. For example:
Remember to adjust for the correct span of years -- on the results page, set a custom range of years if the preset ones aren't quite right.
PubMed
This is an international database, indexing over 5,200 journals from over 80 countries. It has a tremendous archive of citations to articles going back to the early 1950s - so be sure to watch the date the article was published or better, yet, use a "Limit" to get citations for the past 3 years The scope of topics is wide ranging from basic science to clinical medicine, and includes nursing, public health and psychology articles.
Key Tips:
Business Source Complete
The database for a topic that has
or might have an economic or financial component. It covers scholarly
journals and trade magazines in business, management, finance,
economics, accounting, marketing, etc and covers many areas related to
medicine and public health. Many publications include online full-text.
Key Tips:
PsycINFO
This database is for any topic that has a
psychological or behavioral component. It is a very large database
covering psychiatry, psychology, and the psychological aspects of
medicine, nursing & allied health.
video tutorial - From searching to locating your articles - about 9 minutes