Q. How do I find a primary qualitative research article in CINAHL?

There are two fairly reliable ways to narrow a search to qualitative studies: filters and subject headings. Neither of these methods will guarantee that each article in the results is a primary qualitative study; you will still need to review the Methods sections. 

You certainly can apply filters and subjects headings in the same search, but there is a higher chance of accidently filtering out qualitative studies. 

Apply Filters

From the advanced menu, find the pull down menu, Clinical Queries. Select one of these three filters:

• Qualitative - High Sensitivity (most results, least likely to accidently filter out relevant qualitative results)
• Qualitative - High Specificity (least likely to include non-qualitative results, but may accidently filter out some studies that are qualitative)
• Qualitative - Best Balance

Apply CINAHL Subject Headings

In the CINAHL Headings menu, search for "qualitative". Select "Qualitative Studies" and add it to your search. 

You can also paste this code directly into your search: MH "Qualitative Studies"

Example: yoga AND MH "Qualitative Studies"