J Clin Epidemiol. 2023 Oct 30:S0895-4356(23)00277-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2023.10.017. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Performing a systematic search of a methods topic (e.g., “risk of bias”, “subgroup analysis”) in biomedical databases such as MEDLINE or Embase can be challenging. In this commentary, we address common search-related challenges, including inconsistent terminology for methods and suboptimal indexing. We suggest that reviewers addressing methods topics, compared to clinical topics, may start with specific, methods-oriented journals; invest extra time to scrutinize index terms and identify alternative terms; try citation search and machine learning assisted screening; and anticipate lower sensitivity and precision.
PMID:37914105 | DOI:10.1016/j.jclinepi.2023.10.017
