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Introduction to systematic searching

This guide to systematic searching provides advice, information and resources to support students required to conduct comprehensive research in Health disciplines.

Before you start

The scope of your systematic search will be determined by the purpose of your search, the requirements you need to fulfil and the details of your research question. Before you start, consider the following questions:

Systematic searching requires careful planning and preparation. Before you start, consider the following questions so you can develop an effective search strategy:

  • What type of assessment are you completing?
  • How much time do you have? E.g. when is your assessment task due?
  • Have you read and understood your assessment task and rubric?
  • Are you using a reference management tool such as EndNote to sort your results?
  • Are you required to use a reporting tool? E.g. PRISMA flowchart
  • Are you writing for publication?
  • Systematic review - do you need to submit a Protocol?
  • Systematic review - have you checked if there is a similar Protocol, so as not to duplicate.

Preparation is the key

What is systematic searching?

The systematic search process is a sophisticated method of database searching that attempts to eliminate bias whilst finding all relevant evidence for a health research, or clinical question. Unlike a typical database search, systematic searching involves combining both keywords and subject headings to cast a wide net for a very specific topic. This method of searching is designed to be exhaustive and reproducible and is not suitable when looking for information on broad or general topics.

Subject headings are part of a controlled vocabulary used to best represent the content of an article. E.g. in the Medline database, all journal articles with a focus on Physiotherapy will be aligned with the subject heading 'Physical therapy' as that is defined as the preferred terminology.

Systematic searching is an iterative process, meaning you may need to make adjustments to your search strategy and research questions as you work through the process. It takes time to refine your question and search approach, so be sure to allow sufficient time.

This guide has been created for general advice. Always refer to your assessment task instructions and rubric for specific requirements. Any questions, contact your teaching academic or supervisor.

Systematic search overview

  1. Develop research question
  2. Consult any guidelines or protocols you are required/encouraged to use (optional)
  3. Select an appropriate search mnemonic or framework (PICO, SPiDER, etc.)
  4. Review and refine your research question
  5. Develop search strategy (including subject headings, keywords and search techniques such as truncation, phrase searching, etc.)
  6. Conduct preliminary searches in chosen databases
  7. Review and revise research question and search strategy as required
  8. Replicate the search in multiple databases