Online Program

322317
Literature search methodology for a systematic review: Part I


Saturday, October 31, 2015 : 11:25 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Barbara Folb, MM, MLS, MPH, Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
An integral part of conducting a systematic review is the formulation of extensive searches designed to collect as much existing literature as possible on the topic of interest. Collecting the literature on a topic is akin to enrolling participants for a clinical trial and should be done with just as much precision to help reduce bias. In this section of the course, participants will learn about how to select databases and other resources to search, including identifying what databases are useful for which topics and comparing the search capabilities and contents of different sources. Once appropriate databases are selected, participants will learn how to formulate detailed search strategies, define grey literature and identify appropriate sources, evaluate existing search filters and design new search filters, and describe the rationale behind conducting rigorous searches.

Learning Areas:

Communication and informatics
Other professions or practice related to public health
Public health or related education
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Differentiate among the many databases available and assess which are the most appropriate databases for the topic. Describe the elements needed for an appropriate search strategy. Define grey literature and identify where to locate it. Explain where to find and how to use search filters.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been conducting systematic review searches since 2007. I have studied systematic review methods and created a course to educate librarians about systematic reviews. I team teach a 2.5 day systematic review workshop offered three times annually at the University of Pittsburgh.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.