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A systematic approach to searching: an efficient and complete method to develop literature searches
Wichor M Bramer1, Gerdien B de Jonge2, Melissa L Rethlefsen3
1Biomedical Information Specialist, Medical Library, Erasmus MC-Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA
|October 2, 2018
Summary
Developing effective systematic search strategies for reviews is challenging. This new method offers a step-by-step approach for creating comprehensive and replicable search strategies, improving evidence retrieval.
Area of Science:
- Information Science
- Medical Librarianship
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Systematic reviews require robust search strategies, but current methods lack detailed, replicable approaches for balancing sensitivity and specificity.
- Translating search strategies across different databases presents significant challenges for information specialists and healthcare practitioners.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a detailed, step-by-step method for developing systematic and replicable search strategies for systematic reviews.
- To introduce a novel optimization technique for ensuring search term completeness and enhancing search strategy effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Developed a systematic process for constructing single-line search strategies in a text document, incorporating syntax and thesaurus terms.
- Implemented an optimization technique comparing thesaurus terms with free-text synonyms to identify optimal search terms.
- Created Microsoft Word macros to automate syntax conversion between databases, facilitating cross-platform search strategy implementation.
Main Results:
- The described method provides a structured approach to creating comprehensive search strategies for systematic reviews.
- The optimization technique aids in identifying relevant candidate search terms, potentially increasing search sensitivity.
- Automated syntax conversion macros simplify the adaptation of search strategies across various databases and interfaces.
Conclusions:
- This method offers a replicable and detailed approach to developing systematic search strategies, addressing a gap in current literature.
- The technique assists information specialists and healthcare practitioners in conducting more effective and comprehensive searches of the biomedical literature.
- The described process supports the creation of complex search strategies essential for high-quality systematic reviews and clinical question answering.
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