Introduction: Retrieval of all relevant studies and data is central to systematic reviewing. Every reviewer has faced the challenge of reviewing studies with incomplete data and the problems of difficult to obtain foreign language papers, dissertations, and unpublished studies. We will explain one strategy we have adopted in conducting a systematic review of artemisinin antimalarial drugs.

Objective: To present a multifaceted strategy used to ensure identification of all studies, and the retrieval of data from incomplete reports, foreign language literature and unpublished research.

Methods: We identified possible strategies from previous experience to maximise both the identification of data sources and the proportion of data available for inclusion in the review. These included using a co-reviewer who is familiar with current research and known to researchers in the field, collaboration with individuals and institutions in countries where research has been conducted, and establishment of an international panel of advisors to guide the reviewers throughout the review process. The presentation will include details of how these components were implemented and discuss the pros and cons of each.

Results: This strategy is currently being implemented. The presentation will evaluate the contribution of each component to the review, which is due for completion by October 1997.