100 Searches: Refining the process of identifying articles for systematic reviews
Objective
Identifying the appropriate studies for inclusion in systematic reviews is important for the both the completion of the initial review and well as for carrying out updates. This poster presents an iterative process involving close collaboration between librarians and clinical experts.
Methods
A team of three librarians and one clinical expert worked together to update a large project of related systematic reviews. 100 different Medline search strategies were developed. Different searches were created to focus on specificity and sensitivity. Search performance was tested using known items. The search results were imported into a web-based systematic review software database and the results were screened. An initial consensus double rating established inter-rater consistency. Subsequent screening was undertaken by one librarian and was confirmed by clinical expert review.
Results
Including librarians in the screening process allow for cross-topic consistency and the identification of false hits. As well, the librarian’s knowledge of the subject was increased and this assisted in the refinement of the search strategies. Close collaboration with a clinical expert allowed for the identification of known articles and responsive follow-up to search specificity results.
Conclusions
The results of this project will allow for the development of a searching and screening process for completing and updating systematic reviews. Iterative involvement of librarians in the searching and screening process may be particularly effective in compound systematic reviews involving a large number of searching elements.
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