Learning Objectives
- Master effective techniques for organizing large volumes of search results.
- Learn systematic approaches to removing duplicate references.
- Understand how to use reference management software strategically.
- Develop skills in documenting and tracking the screening process.
- Create reproducible workflows for managing systematic review data.
Introduction
Managing search results efficiently is crucial for maintaining the integrity and organization of systematic reviews. With searches often yielding thousands of references across multiple databases, proper management becomes essential for:
- Maintaining accuracy and preventing data loss.
- Enabling efficient screening processes.
- Supporting transparent reporting.
- Facilitating collaboration among review team members.
This section explores effective strategies and tools for managing search results, ensuring that your systematic review process is streamlined and reproducible.
PubMed
- Format: .nbib or .csv
- Export Options:
- Complete record
- Include abstracts
- Include MeSH terms
Scopus
- Format: .ris or .csv
- Export Options:
- Citation information
- Abstract & keywords
- Bibliographical info
Web of Science
- Format: .txt or .ris
- Export Options:
- Full record
- Cited references
- Keywords Plus
Embase
- Format: .ris
- Export Options:
- Complete record
- Emtree terms
- Drug/disease index
| Software | Key Features | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| EndNote | Robust deduplication | Large-scale reviews | Commercial |
| Custom fields | |||
| Advanced sorting | |||
| Zotero | Open-source | Team projects | Free |
| Browser integration | |||
| Group collaboration | |||
| Mendeley | PDF annotation | Individual researchers | Freemium |
| Social networking | |||
| Cloud storage | |||
| Covidence | Systematic review-specific | Full review management | Subscription |
| Screening workflow | |||
| Data extraction tools |
Step 1: Automated Check
- Use software deduplication tools.
- Set matching criteria (e.g., title, author).
- Process results in manageable batches.
Step 2: Manual Review
- Check potential matches flagged by software.
- Verify false positives manually.
- Document all decisions for transparency.
Step 3: Quality Control
- Review similar titles for inconsistencies.
- Verify author names to ensure accuracy.
- Confirm publication types to avoid errors.
Thorough documentation is essential for reproducibility and transparent reporting. Below are key areas to document during the review process:
Search Results
- Save original search files.
- Record export dates.
- Note the total number of results retrieved from each database.
Deduplication Log
- Track the number of duplicates removed.
- Record the methods and software used for deduplication.
- Maintain a decision log for ambiguous cases.
Screening Process
- Assign roles for reviewers.
- Define decision criteria for inclusion/exclusion.
- Document conflict resolution processes.
Training Materials
- Cochrane Training: Comprehensive guidance for systematic reviews.
- PRISMA Guidelines: Standards for transparent reporting.
- Systematic Review Toolbox: Tools and resources for systematic reviews.
Support Tools
- Rayyan: A free tool for streamlining the screening process.
- DistillerSR: Professional software for managing systematic reviews.
- EPPI-Reviewer: A comprehensive platform for systematic reviews.
Conclusion
Efficient management of search results is critical to the success of systematic reviews. By leveraging advanced export settings, reference management software, and well-documented workflows, researchers can ensure accuracy, transparency, and reproducibility. Adopting the strategies and tools outlined here will streamline the review process and facilitate collaboration among team members, leading to more reliable and impactful results.