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Collecting the evidence systematically. Ensuring that it is complete and up-to-date
1Department of Obstetrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Comprehensive evidence searching is crucial for systematic reviews. This study details a robust search strategy for pregnancy and childbirth trials, emphasizing hand searches and identifying unpublished data.
Area of Science:
- Medical research methodology
- Evidence-based practice in obstetrics and gynecology
Background:
- Systematic reviews require thorough evidence identification.
- The Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Database contains extensive trial data.
- Previous electronic searches (e.g., MEDLINE) may be incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a comprehensive search strategy for identifying relevant evidence for systematic reviews.
- To highlight methods used for the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Database.
Main Methods:
- Systematic hand searching of approximately 60 journals since 1950.
- Supplementing electronic database searches.
- Retrieving references from primary and conference reports.
- Actively seeking unpublished trials and data.
Main Results:
- A multi-faceted search strategy was employed.
- Emphasis was placed on manual journal review and unpublished data.
- This approach aimed for maximal ascertainment of relevant trials.
Conclusions:
- A combination of electronic and manual searching is essential for comprehensive evidence retrieval.
- Identifying unpublished studies is critical for reducing bias in systematic reviews.
- The described methods support the creation of high-quality systematic reviews in pregnancy and childbirth research.