Search filters are:

• also known as hedges
• pre-cooked search strings that are designed to limit search results
• designed to be highly-sensitive, precise, or a balance of both

Commonly, search filters limit search results by:

• age group
• publication type
• study design

They are sometimes available at the click of a button in library databases, but don't let that deceive you! A lot of work goes into developing an effective search strategy for filters, and they often include various combinations of subject headings, textwords, and wildcards.

HLWIKI Filter: Aboriginal/Indigenous Health

ISSG Search Filters Resource: Health Services Research

ISSG Search Filters Resource: Quality Improvement Filters

ISSG Search Filters Resource: Healthcare Delivery

HIRU Filter: Knowledge Translation (for Medline)

HIRU Filter: Knowledge Translation (for CINAHL)