Narrative Search Tips

The following table will provide information and tips about different search types for the TVIS Narrative Search.

Please note that the search type “And” is the default behavior for searching.


Search Type Explanation and Example
Exact This search type will generate results matching the entire text entered.
Please include double quotes for the search text to get "exact" results.
Example: "Maternal Mortality Rate"
Results: Generates results that include the text (all three words together): Maternal Mortality Rate
And "And" is the default behavior of the Search. This search type will generate results that have all words entered. Example: Maternal Mortality Rate
Results: Generates results that include the all the three words.
Or This search type will generate results that have any of the words or terms entered.
Specific lists of words are given within parentheses, separated by commas (with no spaces).
Example: (suicide,bullying)
Results: Generates results that include either or both of the words: Suicide or Bullying.
Exclude The minus (-) symbol in front of a search word means that the results must exclude that word.
The minus (-) symbol must immediately prefix the word to which it applies. There must be a space between the symbol and any preceding word.
Example: training needs -“needs assessment”
Results: Generates results that include both the words, Training and Needs but without the search term: needs assessment.
Example: training needs -"needs assessment" -“children with special health care needs”
Results: Generates results that includes the word Training and Needs but not the search terms: needs assessment and/or children with special health care needs.
Exact & And This search type will generate results with a combination of "Exact" & "And" search types.
Example: “Adolescent Mental Health” “Youth Mental Health”
Results: Generates results that include the both search terms: Adolescent Mental Health and Youth Mental Health.
Exact & Or This search type will generate results with a combination of "Exact" & "Or" search types.
Example: (“Adolescent Mental Health”,“Youth Mental Health”)
Results: Generates results that include either or both of the two search terms: Adolescent Mental Health or Youth Mental Health.