How can we help with systematic reviews?

There are many PhD students and researchers within the University who are undertaking research in the form of a systematic review, particularly within medicine, health and psychology.

We wanted to highlight the stages of a systematic review where the Library Research Services Team can provide help and support.

We can advise on any of the stages in red and with reference management.

What is a systematic review?
A systematic review is a type of literature review that attempts to find all published and unpublished material on a specific research question. The studies found are then appraised against specific eligibility criteria. Data is extracted and synthesized from the eligible studies to produce a summary of evidence from the relevant research.

Scoping Search

To identify existing systematic reviews in the research area.
To check the scope of the research available and help inform the research question.
To help find appropriate databases, keywords and subject terms for the search strategy section of the protocol.

Full Search

Full search strategy including the use of keywords, subject terms, truncation, wildcards, adjacency searching and other search options - in a documented manner that could be replicated by other researchers.
Perform the search strategy on appropriate databases e.g. Medline, Embase, PsycINFO.
Translate and perform the search across different interfaces.

Full Text Retrieval

Obtaining the full text of the studies which fit the eligibility criteria including those not immediately available through University journal subscriptions.

Additional Searching

To identify and obtain eligible studies which were not indexed in the literature databases.
Could include:

Hand searching (browsing) of key journals.
References from related systematic reviews.
Grey literature - reports/publications from the government, drug companies, charities etc.

Update Search

Re-running saved searches or setting up search alerts to identify new research in the area.

References Management

Use of software such as EndNote or RefWorks to store store, manage and de-duplicate references.
Use of codes and fields within the software for use at the screening stage of the review.
Creation of bibliographies for publication.

If you would like help and advise on any of the above please email Libstem@le.ac.uk

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