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Search strategies for systematic reviews

Document your search

Document your search

It is important to document your searches so that you do not have to redo your work and to be able to keep track of your search results.

In most databases you can create an account so you can save and access your searches.

Disclose your searches

Report your search

In a systematic review, you need to be able to report how you carried out your searches. This can look different, but the following should be included:
  • Name of database
  • Vendor of the database (ex Ebsco, Proquest)
  • Date when the search was performed
  • Which search terms did you use (subject headings and/or free key words)
  • Combination of search terms and search strings (AND, OR)
  • Limits (date, publication etc.)

PRISMA for Searching

If you are conducting your systematic review in accordance with PRISMA you can also use their checklist for searches, PRISMA-S.

PRISMA-S