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Polyglot

The Polyglot Search Translator or simply, Polyglot, is designed to translate search strings across databases to aid with running searches for systematic reviews. The Polyglot translates either a PubMed or Ovid MEDLINE search string into the following database platforms; the Cochrane Library; Embase (via Elsevier); Web of Science; Scopus; EBSCO (e.g. CINAHL); Ovid (e.g. PsycINFO or Embase via Ovid) and PubMed.

It is important to note that it does not remove the need to understand how the databases work. For instance the Polyglot does not automatically map subject terms across databases (e.g. MeSH terms to Emtree terms). It is recommended that people have a basic understanding of how each database works, before using the Polyglot.

If you use Polyglot can you please cite our article:
Clark JM, et al. Improving the translation of search strategies using the Polyglot Search Translator: a randomized controlled trial. J Med Libr Assoc. 2020;108(2):195–207. doi:10.5195/jmla.2020.834
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32256231/

  1. Access the Polyglot through the Systematic Review Accelerator (SRA) (http://sr-accelerator.com/). Navigate to the Polyglot using the “Polyglot Search” link in the left-hand menu http://sr-accelerator.com/#/polyglot. You do not need to be logged in to use the Polyglot. SRA Home Page
  2. After navigating to the Polyglot, you will see a “Your query” box. The empty box is where you paste your search string. Search Box