Writing up the search
Systematic reviews should be transparent. The strategy should be detailed, so the search can be replicated and validated by others.
It should include:
- databases searched and the platform; eg - MEDLINE via PubMed
- search terms
- number of items retrieved for each search
- number of exclusions and rationale
- number of inclusions and rationale
- table of duplicates
- date searched
- limits of search, such as date range or languages
You may also detail how a search was refined.
This could be incorporated into a flow diagram. (See the PRISMA template link for an example.)
Reporting guidelines (like PRISMA) can help improve the transparency, accuracy and completeness of reporting.
PRISMA
PRISMA stands for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. It is an evidence-based minimum set of items to promote transparent reporting.
- PRISMA flow diagramThe flowchart is helpful in describing the process of inclusion and exclusion of papers.