MED Year 2: Systematic Searching Strategies
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following search tools would be most appropriate for finding a specific citation for a journal article on breast neoplasms?

  • Abstract and Citation Databases (correct)
  • Institutional Repository
  • Web Search Engines
  • Discovery Search on Library Homepage

Which type of literature would be most likely to contain a detailed, peer-reviewed analysis of the surgical treatment of breast neoplasms?

  • Government Documents
  • Conference Proceedings
  • Newspaper Articles
  • Journal Articles (correct)

When evaluating the currency of a research paper on breast neoplasms, what is the most important factor to consider?

  • The year the research was published and its relevance to current knowledge (correct)
  • Whether the research was funded by a particular organization
  • Whether the research was conducted in a specific geographic location
  • The author's experience with the topic and their reputation in the field

Which of the CRAAP criteria is primarily addressed by evaluating the author's credentials and the reputation of the publishing institution?

<p>Authority (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following search strategies would be most effective for finding research on the prevalence of breast neoplasms in different age groups?

<p>Combining keywords like &quot;breast neoplasms&quot; AND &quot;prevalence&quot; AND &quot;age group&quot; (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a successful literature search?

<p>Using a single comprehensive database to ensure a complete search (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using a systematic review over other research methods?

<p>The capacity for high quality evidence based research through a transparent and reproducible approach. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a keyword search differ from a controlled vocabulary search?

<p>A keyword search relies on free-text terms while a controlled vocabulary search utilizes predefined terms from a thesaurus. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key benefit of registering a systematic review protocol?

<p>Ensuring the inclusion of all relevant studies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of developing a detailed search strategy for a systematic review?

<p>To identify all relevant studies, regardless of publication date (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to refine search results using Boolean operators and filters?

<p>To reduce the number of irrelevant studies and increase the focus on relevant papers. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the role of expanding keywords during a literature search?

<p>Ensuring that the search is inclusive of all related terms within the topic. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a common method for identifying relevant literature in a systematic review?

<p>Conducting a survey of experts in the field (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using reference management software in a systematic review?

<p>To organize, de-duplicate, and track the screening and selection process (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of literature search, what is the primary purpose of evaluating information?

<p>All of the above. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using MeSH terms (Medical Subject Headings) in a systematic review search?

<p>To standardize the search terms and improve retrieval of relevant studies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential drawback of using a controlled vocabulary search?

<p>It may not be as comprehensive as a keyword search due to the limitations of the controlled vocabulary. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common type of outcome measured in a systematic review?

<p>Publication bias (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the role of Boolean operators in a literature search?

<p>To refine the search results by combining keywords in various ways. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to screen and select studies based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria?

<p>To ensure that the studies included in the review are relevant to the research question (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of databases required to conduct a comprehensive systematic review search?

<p>3 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which database is recognized as the most comprehensive source of reports of randomized trials?

<p>Cochrane Library (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one method researchers can use to find additional relevant articles beyond database searches?

<p>Citation Searching (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which tool is NOT mentioned as a resource for searching clinical trials?

<p>EMBASE (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is used to discover known reputable journals in a subject area?

<p>Hand Searching (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does Scopus provide to researchers?

<p>Tracking and Linking Citations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a component of Medline?

<p>PubMed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of search allows researchers to apply specific filters when researching articles?

<p>Advanced Search (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What features do reputable journal portals provide to researchers?

<p>Handsearching Opportunities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Covidence in the literature review process?

<p>Conducting systematic reviews efficiently (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step involved in the systematic review process as described?

<p>Peer review submission (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advisable to set up accounts in specific databases during literature reviews?

<p>To save searches and avoid repetition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about referencing is correct?

<p>Referencing allows for acknowledgment of original sources. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What additional resources does RCSI Bahrain Library provide for referencing?

<p>A LibGuide with referencing examples (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Covidence contribute to the literature review process?

<p>It enhances efficiency in screening and assessment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about eligibility criteria in the screening process?

<p>Eligibility criteria help determine which records are excluded. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of using a web-based platform like Covidence?

<p>It simplifies the systematic review process. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does grey literature include?

<p>Technical reports and patents (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the PRISMA Statement?

<p>To provide guidelines for systematic reviews (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these does NOT qualify as grey literature?

<p>Peer-reviewed articles published in journals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of grey literature?

<p>May include unpublished research (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component of the PRISMA Flow Diagram?

<p>The checklist for reporting items (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which website is mentioned in the context of accessing Irish health research?

<p><a href="http://www.lenus.ie">www.lenus.ie</a> (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'additional records identified through other sources' in the PRISMA context?

<p>Records located outside of standard database searches (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of documentation is typically included in grey literature?

<p>Regulatory documentation and technical reports (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Search Strategy

A method to find relevant information by combining concepts.

Types of Literature

Different formats of information sources available for research.

CRAAP Test

Criteria to evaluate the credibility of information: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose.

Currency

The timeliness of the information and its importance.

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Authority

The credentials of the information source and the author's reputation.

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Grey Literature

Published material not traditionally peer-reviewed, including reports and theses.

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PRISMA Statement

Guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, includes a checklist.

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Systematic Reviews

Comprehensive reviews following a defined methodology to collect data on a topic.

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Meta-Analyses

Statistical analysis combining results from multiple studies to increase power.

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PRISMA Flow Diagram

A visual representation showing the flow of information in systematic reviews.

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Official Publications

Documents published by government or major organizations regarding data or policy.

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Technical Reports

Detailed documents on specific research or technical installations.

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HSE Reports

Health Service Executive reports containing health-related research and information in Ireland.

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EBSCO Medline

A comprehensive database for medical literature and research articles.

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Cochrane Library

A collection of databases that contain high-quality systematic reviews and clinical trials.

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PubMed

A free search engine accessing primarily the MEDLINE database of references and abstracts.

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Citation Searching

A method to find related research by analyzing the references of key articles.

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Hand Searching

Manually looking through journals for relevant studies.

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ClinicalTrials.gov

A database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world.

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Transparent Search Strategies

Methods in systematic reviews for retrieving studies, ensuring reproducibility and reliability.

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Scopus

A large abstract and citation database for scholarly literature.

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Advanced Search

A feature that allows refined querying of databases using multiple parameters.

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Boolean Operators

Logical keywords (AND, OR, NOT) used to refine literature searches in databases.

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Keywords in Research

Main ideas or terms related to a research question or topic that guide the search.

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Search Filters

Tools that help narrow or refine search results by criteria like year or content type.

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Controlled Vocabulary

Predefined terms or subject headings used in databases to standardize searches.

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Literature Search Success

Involves brainstorming keywords, applying operators, and evaluating information effectively.

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Evaluating Information

The process of critically assessing sources for relevance and reliability.

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Screening

The process of evaluating records based on eligibility criteria.

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Covidence

A web-based tool for streamlining literature reviews, facilitating systematic reviews and assessments.

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Literature Review

A comprehensive survey of published works on a specific topic.

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Data Abstraction

The process of summarizing and extracting key information from studies.

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Quality Assessment

Evaluation of the reliability and validity of research studies included in a review.

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Referencing

The practice of citing sources to acknowledge original ideas and avoid plagiarism.

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Plagiarism

The act of using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution.

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RCSI Bahrain Library LibGuide

Resource providing guidelines on referencing styles for students.

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Inclusion Criteria

Predefined characteristics participants must have to be included in a study.

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Exclusion Criteria

Characteristics that disqualify potential participants from a study.

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Publication Bias

The tendency to publish positive results more than negative or inconclusive ones.

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PROSPERO

An international register for protocol of systematic reviews.

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Reproducibility

The ability to repeat a study and achieve the same results.

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Reference Management Software

Tools used to organize and manage references for research.

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Screening & Selection

The process of filtering identified records based on inclusion/exclusion criteria.

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Study Notes

Systematic Searching & Developing Strategies

  • Course: MED Year 2
  • Course Code: Library & Research Skills
  • Date: January 28, 2025
  • Presenter: Dr. Suchita Dsilva
  • Session Overview:
    • Systematic reviews and search strategies
    • Evidence of systematic reviews
    • Keyword searching and subject headings
    • Searching databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Science Direct)
    • CENTRAL, Grey Literature and other sources for reviews
    • Accessing full text and saving searches
    • PRISMA, Covidence and other tools
    • Risk of bias assessment tools
    • Support from RCSI Bahrain Library

What is a Systematic Review?

  • A review conducted using clearly stated scientific research methods
  • Designed to minimize biases and errors inherent in traditional narrative reviews

What is the Significance of Systematic Reviews?

  • The large volume of medical literature necessitates reliance on systematic reviews for informed decision making
  • Systematic Reviews minimize bias by using specific protocols to determine included studies

Key Steps in a Review

  • Formulating Research Questions & Objectives: Clearly define research questions and objectives to guide the review process and focus the study scope.
  • Register Your Protocol: Register the review's protocol.
  • Literature Search & Study Selection:
    • Conduct a comprehensive literature search to identify all relevant studies.
    • Select studies based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to minimize bias.
  • Data Extraction & Synthesis: Extract and synthesize data to analyze and interpret findings from selected studies.

Formulate Your Research Question

  • Identifying Key Components: Break down a broad topic into specific interested components using relevant frameworks (e.g., population, intervention, comparison, outcome)
  • Set Your Objectives: Define specific aims to align with research questions summarizing evidence, identifying gaps, and informing practice.
  • Establish Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria: Outline characteristics a study must meet for inclusion in the review

Example of Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

  • Study Methodology/Designs
  • Types of Participants
  • Types of Interventions (including any delivery mode)
  • Types of Comparisons
  • Types of Outcomes
  • Time Frame

Register Your Protocol

  • Transparency and Accountability: Registers the review's methods for greater transparency
  • Reducing Publication Bias: Reduces the influence of bias, ensuring a fair assessment of the evidence base.
  • Facilitating Reproducibility: Enables others to repeat the review process
  • Avoiding Duplication: Prevents redundancy by ensuring the review is based on available research
  • PROSPERO: (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews)
  • Open Science Framework (OSF): A free, open platform for pre-registering studies and sharing data

Search for Literature

  • Develop Search Strategies: Design detailed strategies using appropriate databases, keywords, and filters
  • Searching Multiple Sources: Conduct searches across multiple databases (minimum 3 databases)
  • Screening & Selection: Screen records using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, initially reviewing titles and abstracts, then full texts
  • Managing References: Utilize reference management software (e.g., EndNote) to organize, de-duplicate, and track the screening and selection process

What is a Search Strategy?

  • A plan researchers can follow to gather necessary information for reviews
  • Helps systematically locate relevant materials on a specific topic
  • Ensures the search is reproducible, verifiable, and standard for reporting

Sample Systematic Review

  • Breast surgery for metastatic breast cancer: A study examining the effects of breast surgery in women with the condition.

Search Methods

  • Use MeSH terms ('breast neoplasms', 'mastectomy', 'analysis, survival') in databases (Cochrane Breast Cancer Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, Clinical Trials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform)

Selection Criteria

  • Randomised controlled trials of women with metastatic breast cancer.
  • Comparing breast surgery with systemic therapy versus systemic therapy alone
  • Primary outcomes: overall survival and quality of life; Secondary outcomes: progression-free survival, breast cancer-specific survival, and therapy toxicity

Data Collection & Analysis

  • Independant review authors conduct trial selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment.
  • A third author verifies selected trials
  • Use GRADE tool to assess the quality of the evidence base
  • Use risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and hazard ratio (HR) for time to event outcomes

Example Search Strategy

  • Detailed search strategy including MEDLINE details
  • Using keywords, MeSH terms, and strategies for finding studies about breast surgery for metastatic breast cancer.

Why Trust Systematic Reviews?

  • The scope, transparency, and reproducibility of methods used to retrieve literature allow for a reliable and high-quality evidence-based research design.

Search Strategies within Systematic Reviews

  • Transparent and reproducible strategies are used across bibliographic databases to ensure maximal retrieval of relevant studies
  • Keywords, operators, and filters
  • Search tools
  • Types of literature
  • Information evaluation
  • Organize research

Keywords, Operators & Filters

  • Brainstorm relevant keywords
  • Expand keywords using subject headings
  • Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine searches
  • Utilize subject-specific database thesauri for predefined terms
  • Assigned words or phrases uniformly used in databases to describe concepts
  • Subject heading searches retrieve articles primarily related to the topic
  • Subject headings vary between databases

Identifying Keywords

  • Combining relevant concepts using "AND" and "OR"

Search Tools

  • Abstract and citation databases
  • Full-text databases
  • Library catalog
  • Discovery search on library homepage
  • Web search engines
  • Institutional repository

Types of Literature

  • Articles (journals, newspapers, magazines)
  • Books (monographs, e-books, reference works)
  • Data (equations, charts, graphs, data sets)
  • Grey literature (reports, conference proceedings, patents, government documents, dissertations, and theses).

Evaluate Information

  • Currency: When was the information published? Is the information current?
  • Relevance: How important is the information for the need of the review?
  • Authority: Is the author/institution credible? Was the information published in a peer-reviewed journal?
  • Accuracy: Is the information reliable? Does it lack citations?
  • Purpose: Is the writing intended to provide a balanced research perspective, or to sell something?

Search for Evidence

  • Include databases like EBSCO Medline, Health & Medical Complete, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Scopus

PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)

  • Reporting guideline for systematic reviews
  • Flow diagram for information flow
  • Item checklist for reviews

Covidence

  • Web-based platform
  • Streamlines aspects of conducting comprehensive literature reviews
  • Useful for title/abstract and full-text screening, and data abstraction

Saving Search Results & Setting Up Alerts

  • Establish accounts to save searches to prevent repeating searches
  • Utilise appropriate username and passwords

Referencing

  • Standardization for acknowledging source materials used in a review/report.
  • Essential for avoiding plagiarism.
  • Sources may include websites, reports, books, or journal articles.

ROB Tools

  • Tools assist in assessing the quality of studies.
  • Spreadsheet tool to match relevant quality assessment tools (e.g., ROB 2.0, ROBINS-I, ROBINS-E, NOS, QUADAS-2)
  • Help identify common issues with study types

If You Are Not Finding a Journal Article

  • Check PubMed, RCSI Repository, OpenDoar, Google Scholar, and Open Access Buttons.
  • Contact ResearchGate for possibly author-supplied copies
  • Submit request to Document Supply

Organize Research

  • Save materials such as PDFs into a document library on your computer or cloud storage
  • Upload citations to reference management software (e.g., EndNote 21)

Support from the Library

  • LibGuides
  • Moodle Information Seeking and Library Skills
  • Contact the librarian directly
  • Appointments with librarians

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Systematic Searching & Developing Strategies PDF

Description

This quiz covers essential strategies for conducting systematic reviews and searching databases in medical research. Learn about keyword searching, subject headings, and various sources like PubMed and CINAHL. It's designed for students in Year 2 of the Medical program to enhance their library and research skills.

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