Literature Searching and the Bibliographic Database for Systematic Reviews

Abstract

When conducting systematic reviews, it is essential to perform a comprehensive literature search to identify all published studies relevant to the specific research question. The Cochrane Collaborations Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews (MECIR) guidelines state that searching MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL should be considered mandatory. The aim of this article was to provide guidance for those undertaking a literature search for a systematic review. It is important to construct search strategy carefully in literature search for systematic review. It is also necessary to continue to gather and update information on resources available for systematic review.