Comparison of CINAHL® via EBSCOhost®, Ovid®, and ProQuest®

Abstract

CINAHL® database characteristics were examined in three vendor products. A number of unanticipated variations concerning category terms, field tags and their definitions, and search results are noted and discussed. Interface highlights are also explored. Knowing the characteristics of the vendor interface being used allows the searcher to accommodate unique variations when helpful or necessary. Usefulness of interface characteristics and features, display settings, and content are framed by the user's experiences, needs, and preferences. This investigation will be of assistance to those who wish to compare characteristics of three major CINAHL versions, and will be of interest and value to any CINAHL user. Copyright © by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.