NDLI: A comparison of results of empirical studies of supplementary search techniques and recommendations in review methodology handbooks: a methodological review

Content Provider	Springer Nature : BioMed Central
Author	Cooper, Chris Booth, Andrew Britten, Nicky Garside, Ruth
Abstract	Background The purpose and contribution of supplementary search methods in systematic reviews is increasingly acknowledged. Numerous studies have demonstrated their potential in identifying studies or study data that would have been missed by bibliographic database searching alone. What is less certain is how supplementary search methods actually work, how they are applied, and the consequent advantages, disadvantages and resource implications of each search method. The aim of this study is to compare current practice in using supplementary search methods with methodological guidance. Methods Four methodological handbooks in informing systematic review practice in the UK were read and audited to establish current methodological guidance. Studies evaluating the use of supplementary search methods were identified by searching five bibliographic databases. Studies were included if they (1) reported practical application of a supplementary search method (descriptive) or (2) examined the utility of a supplementary search method (analytical) or (3) identified/explored factors that impact on the utility of a supplementary method, when applied in practice. Results Thirty-five studies were included in this review in addition to the four methodological handbooks. Studies were published between 1989 and 2016, and dates of publication of the handbooks ranged from 1994 to 2014. Five supplementary search methods were reviewed: contacting study authors, citation chasing, handsearching, searching trial registers and web searching. Conclusions There is reasonable consistency between recommended best practice (handbooks) and current practice (methodological studies) as it relates to the application of supplementary search methods. The methodological studies provide useful information on the effectiveness of the supplementary search methods, often seeking to evaluate aspects of the method to improve effectiveness or efficiency. In this way, the studies advance the understanding of the supplementary search methods. Further research is required, however, so that a rational choice can be made about which supplementary search strategies should be used, and when.
Related Links	https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s13643-017-0625-1.pdf
Ending Page	16
Page Count	16
Starting Page	1
File Format	HTM / HTML
ISSN	20464053
DOI	10.1186/s13643-017-0625-1
Journal	Systematic Reviews
Issue Number	1
Volume Number	6
Language	English
Publisher	BioMed Central
Publisher Date	2017-11-28
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Medicine Public Health Biomedicine Statistics for Life Sciences Health Sciences Supplementary searching Systematic reviews Handsearching Citation searching Web searching Trial searching Author contact Handbooks Information science Medicine/Public Health
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Medicine
Journal Impact Factor	6.3/2023
5-Year Journal Impact Factor	4.5/2023

Sl.	Authority	Responsibilities	Communication Details
1	Ministry of Education (GoI), Department of Higher Education	Sanctioning Authority	https://www.education.gov.in/ict-initiatives
2	Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	Host Institute of the Project: The host institute of the project is responsible for providing infrastructure support and hosting the project	https://www.iitkgp.ac.in
3	National Digital Library of India Office, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	The administrative and infrastructural headquarters of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in
4	Project PI / Joint PI	Principal Investigator and Joint Principal Investigators of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in Prof. Saswat Chakrabarti will be added soon
5	Website/Portal (Helpdesk)	Queries regarding NDLI and its services	support@ndl.gov.in
6	Contents and Copyright Issues	Queries related to content curation and copyright issues	content@ndl.gov.in
7	National Digital Library of India Club (NDLI Club)	Queries related to NDLI Club formation, support, user awareness program, seminar/symposium, collaboration, social media, promotion, and outreach	clubsupport@ndl.gov.in
8	Digital Preservation Centre (DPC)	Assistance with digitizing and archiving copyright-free printed books	dpc@ndl.gov.in
9	IDR Setup or Support	Queries related to establishment and support of Institutional Digital Repository (IDR) and IDR workshops	idr@ndl.gov.in

A comparison of results of empirical studies of supplementary search techniques and recommendations in review methodology handbooks: a methodological review

A comparison of results of empirical studies of supplementary search techniques and recommendations in review methodology handbooks: a methodological review

A comparison of results of empirical studies of supplementary search techniques and recommendations in review methodology handbooks: a methodological review

BADERI: an online database to coordinate handsearching activities of controlled clinical trials for their potential inclusion in systematic reviews

Searching for qualitative research for inclusion in systematic reviews: a structured methodological review

Identifying additional studies for a systematic review of retention strategies in randomised controlled trials: making contact with trials units and trial methodologists

Single screen of citations with excluded terms: an approach to citation screening in systematic reviews

Methodological issues and recommendations for systematic reviews of prognostic studies: an example from cardiovascular disease

Web searching for systematic reviews: a case study of reporting standards in the UK Health Technology Assessment programme

A comparison of results of empirical studies of supplementary search techniques and recommendations in review methodology handbooks: a methodological review

Similar Documents

A comparison of results of empirical studies of supplementary search techniques and recommendations in review methodology handbooks: a methodological review

A comparison of results of empirical studies of supplementary search techniques and recommendations in review methodology handbooks: a methodological review

A comparison of results of empirical studies of supplementary search techniques and recommendations in review methodology handbooks: a methodological review

BADERI: an online database to coordinate handsearching activities of controlled clinical trials for their potential inclusion in systematic reviews

Searching for qualitative research for inclusion in systematic reviews: a structured methodological review

Identifying additional studies for a systematic review of retention strategies in randomised controlled trials: making contact with trials units and trial methodologists

Single screen of citations with excluded terms: an approach to citation screening in systematic reviews

Methodological issues and recommendations for systematic reviews of prognostic studies: an example from cardiovascular disease

Web searching for systematic reviews: a case study of reporting standards in the UK Health Technology Assessment programme

A comparison of results of empirical studies of supplementary search techniques and recommendations in review methodology handbooks: a methodological review