Literature searching: searching in a systematic way

Being systematic is searching, selecting and managing the best available evidence for research, according to a  defined, planned and consistent method.

“The search strategies used should, therefore, be published (e.g., as an appendix to the review) and be fully replicable by third parties. They should also be transparent and explainable, so they can be reproduced as and when required. This is not only to minimise bias and errors, but also to reduce costs and hence reduce waste in research.”

MacFarlane, A., Russell-Rose, T., & Shokraneh, F. (2022). Search strategy formulation for systematic reviews: issues, challenges and opportunities. Intelligent Systems with Applications, 15.

Steps in the Search Process. 

Develop a patient-centred, focused question(s)

There is a difference between a topic and a question, a topic is a broad area that you might be interested in or working in, but a question is specific and will direct your search, and your search may be easier. 

Select the sources -  best evidence relevant to your questions - select the appropriate resource(s), conduct search(es).

1. Which resources will you use?
2. What grey literature sources will you use?
3. Write down your inclusion and exclusion criteria
4. Develop an appropriate search strategy.

Document your search.

Screen your results.

Appraise - critically appraise the evidence to check for bias, quality, reliability, applicability.