Applying systematic review search methods to the grey literature: a case study examining guidelines for school-based...

Area of Science:

• Information Science
• Public Health Research
• Systematic Review Methodology

Background:

• Grey literature is vital for systematic reviews but challenging to search comprehensively.
• No standardized methods exist for rigorous grey literature searches.
• This study addresses the need for systematic grey literature search strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a systematic search method for grey literature.
• To conduct a case study review of Canadian school-based breakfast program guidelines.
• To demonstrate a feasible approach for grey literature identification.

Main Methods:

• A four-strategy search plan: grey literature databases, custom Google searches, targeted websites, and expert consultation.
• Screening of abstracts, executive summaries, or tables of contents due to frequent lack of abstracts.
• Full-text screening and data extraction on publication details and content.

Main Results:

• The four-strategy search plan was manageable, comprehensive, and intuitive.
• 302 potentially relevant items were identified for screening.
• 15 publications met eligibility criteria for the systematic review.

Conclusions:

• A feasible and robust method for systematically searching web-based grey literature was demonstrated.
• The developed search strategy is adaptable for various disciplines and research questions.
• Further adaptation and testing of this method in future research syntheses are recommended.