What are search hedges/search filters? Can I use them to complete my own search?
Search hedges (also called search filters), are search strategies for individual concepts that are commonly searched in the health sciences, such as age groups (pediatrics, geriatrics), geographic locations, population groups (Indigenous Peoples, Vulnerable Populations) and other specific topics including COVID-19, Artificial Intelligence, Low to Middle Income Countries, Health Quality, and more. Search hedges are typically created by an experienced health sciences librarian and are considered to comprehensively cover all subject headings and keywords related to one specific concept. They save you the time and effort of thinking of every related word or phrase for your concept!
It's important to remember that searches are intellectual work, and therefore should be cited. While anyone can use a search hedge, don't forget to cite the author of that search hedge!
Looking for a search hedge? Check out these sites below: