Managing large-volume literature searches in research synthesis studies

Background

Systematic reviews typically require searching for, retrieving, and screening a large volume of literature, yet little guidance is available on how to manage this volume.

Purpose

We detail methods used to search for and manage the yield of relevant citations for a mixed-methods, mixed research synthesis study focused on the intersection between family life and childhood chronic physical conditions.

Methods

We designed inclusive search strings and searched nine bibliographic databases to identify relevant research regardless of methodological origin. We customized searches to individual databases, developed work-arounds for transferring large volumes of citations and eliminating duplicate citations using reference management software, and used this software as a portal to select citations for inclusion or exclusion. We identified 67,555 citations, retrieved and screened 3,617 reports, and selected 800 reports for inclusion.

Discussion/Conclusions

Systematic reviews require search procedures to allow consistent and comprehensive approaches and the ability to work around technical obstacles.     

The retrieval of randomized clinical trials in liver diseases from the medical literature: manual versus MEDLARS searches

Recently, the usefulness of MEDLARS computer searches in biomedical research was questioned; the conclusion was drawn that to completely capture a specific population of articles, the MEDLARS system was inadequate. This conclusion was based on a comparison of MEDLARS and manual searches for articles on random clinical trials in liver disease for the period 1966-1982. The present study re-evaluated the validity of this conclusion. In the initial revised search strategy, the recall of valid articles was not significantly improved, as compared with the original MEDLARS search strategy, but precision of this revised search was significantly increased. The number of valid articles recalled was significantly increased by broadening the MEDLARS search strategy criteria, but not without a simultaneous and significant decrease in precision. A limiting capture rate of about 79% of the population of articles on random clinical trials was reached when all logical expansions of the search strategy were exhausted. Strategies for increasing the efficiency of MEDLARS searches in general are discussed citing limitations specific to the population of random clinical trial articles.     

军队疗养院医生队伍建设的思考

疗养院医生队伍建设是疗养院软文化建设的重要内容之一。所谓疗养院软文化建设是指疗养院在历史发展过程中形成的具有本疗养院特色的思想意识、价值观念等     

Selecting a database for literature searches in nursing: MEDLINE or CINAHL?

This study compares the usefulness of the MEDLINE and CINAHL databases for students on post-registration nursing courses We searched for nine topics, using title words only Identical searches of the two databases retrieved 1162 references, of which 88% were in MEDLINE, 33% in CINAHL and 20% in both sources The relevance of the references was assessed by student reviewers The positive predictive value of CINAHL (70%) was higher than that of MEDLINE (54%), but MEDLINE produced more than twice as many relevant references as CINAHL The sensitivity of MEDLINE was 85% (95% CI 82–88%), and that of CINAHL was 41% (95% CI 37–45%) To assess the ease of obtaining the references, we developed an index of accessibility, based on the holdings of a number of Irish and British libraries Overall, 47% of relevant references were available in the students' own library, and 64% could be obtained within 48 hours There was no difference between the two databases overall, but when two topics relating specifically to the organization of nursing were excluded, references found in MEDLINE were significantly more accessible We recommend that MEDLINE should be regarded as the first choice of bibliographic database for any subject other than one related strictly to the organization of nursing     

Finding information in the medical literature

There is such an enormous amount of information available to ophthalmic nurses, it is often intimidating to find the single item of information needed. Informal, word-of-mouth information sources are convenient but may also be incorrect or incomplete. There are a variety of formal information sources: dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, directories, textbooks, annuals, and journals articles. Journal articles are probably the most important literature in healthcare because of their currency. Learning to use the medical library effectively and using the services of a medical librarian can help one take advantage of this vast amount of information.     

美容医学在颌面部外伤处理中的应用体会

目的对195例颌面外伤的原因、年龄、性别及治疗方法进行总结分析,并对美容医学在颌面外伤处理中的应用进行探讨。方法对195例颌面外伤病例采取清创缝合,颌骨骨折均根据病情采用外固定法、内固定法、联合固定法达到恢复正常咬合关系、恢复颜面部外形的目的。结果 195例颌面部外伤经过治疗,外形恢复良好、咬合关系均恢复正常,其中伤口Ⅰ期愈合,经X线显示骨折对位良好者189例,占97%。结论软组织损伤均早期清创缝合,尽量保留组织、对位缝合。对于骨折应早期复位固定,必要时行切开复位坚强内固定以恢复外形和功能。     

Reflections on the role of medical staff governor in a foundation trust

A foundation trust will usually elect one or more medical staff representatives to the board of governors. This person is likely to be the most influential member of that board through knowledge, experience and self-confidence. This paper outlines the experience of one medical staff governor and some of the ways in which it is possible to support colleagues as well as management. Most importantly the role can have a crucial watchdog function when major financial pressures impinge on resources. The role is ideally suited to a senior physician with reduced clinical commitments. It repays the time and trouble invested.