Research & Academic Skills

Find reliable research, assess its quality and use it confidently in academic work and evidence-informed nursing practice.

Find research

The Knowledge Network Scotland

NHS Scotland’s digital library for journals, databases, books and evidence summaries. An NHS Scotland OpenAthens account may be needed for full access.

PubMed

Search biomedical and health literature, including MEDLINE-indexed research.

Cochrane Library

Systematic reviews and evidence syntheses about healthcare interventions.

TRIP Medical Database

Search clinical research, systematic reviews and guidance from one place.

Appraise research

JBI Critical Appraisal Tools

Tools for assessing the trustworthiness, relevance and results of different study designs.

CASP Critical Appraisal Checklists

Practical checklists for qualitative research, randomised trials, systematic reviews and other evidence.

Write and report research

EQUATOR Network

Find recognised reporting standards including PRISMA, CONSORT, STROBE and COREQ.

NHS Scotland search training

Training and support for literature searching, information skills and using evidence.

Remember: database access can vary by university or NHS organisation. Use your university library and NHS Scotland OpenAthens account where available.