Thorough search is critical to the process
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Incomplete searches result in inadequate pool of studies… may lead to faulty conclusions
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Multiple literature databases should be searched
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Ideally includes all relevant literature
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Grey literature (govt doc, dissertation, white paper), cited reference searching, etc.
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Time-consuming and potentially costly
Steps in the Review Search Process:
- Create EndNote Library.
- Write out search terms and strategy.
- Search appropriate literature databases:
- Search using keywords and database-specific subject headings.
- Do some preliminary searching and adjust search strategy as appropriate.
- Keep meticulous documentation of searches: SAVE search and print out (or copy/paste to Word) search strategy from that database, date of search, number of citations. Searches must be thorough, reproducible, and include the full search strategy.
- Export all citations from the database into EN.
- Repeat this process for the rest of your databases.
- Remove duplicates.
- Create PRISMA flow diagram of search process.
- Write up search methods.
Hint: Locate a review (Cochrane Collection is also a good resource) on a topic close to yours and look at their methods, search terms, databases, etc.
