Searching systematically (old): Document your search

Documenting your search will help you

• keep track of what you've done so that you don't repeat unproductive searches
• re-use successful search strategies for to find newly published papers on the subject
• help you describe your search process for manuscripts
• justify your search process

This is a critical step for rigorous review papers, such as systematic reviews. Documenting searches for traditional other types of literature reviews is not essential but will help you stay organised and perhaps save you some time.

PRISMA 2020 Checklist

The PRISMA 2020 statement comprises a 27-item checklist addressing the introduction, methods, results and discussion sections of a systematic review report.

PRISMA flow diagram for systematic review

The flow diagram depicts the flow of information through the different phases of a systematic review.  Using the flow diagram you can record all searches, records identified, duplications, included and excluded records and the reasons for exclusions.