Developing search strategies for systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) (restricted)

Article type
Authors
Glanville J1, Noel-Storr A2, Mitchell R3, Eisinga A4
1Cochrane Information Retrieval Methods Group, UK
2Cochrane Dementia Group, University of Oxford, UK
3Cochrane Renal group, Australia
4UK Cochrane Centre, UK
Abstract
Objectives:

To enhance the competencies of Trials Search Co-ordinators in developing search strategies for systematic reviews of DTA studies using a practical exercise-based approach.

Description:

The workshop will be based around a small-group exercise to develop a search strategy for a complex DTA systematic review Participants will work in pairs, and there will be opportunity for discussion and feedback to the wider group during the exercise. Participants will have an opportunity to gain skills in areas such as: a) Using the review protocol to find initial information about the main search concepts b) Alternative ways of structuring search strategies for DTA reviews c) Techniques for preliminary gathering of MeSH terms and text words d) Overcoming problematic terminology e.g. for tests and target conditions where there are no MeSH terms, where there is a wide range of alternative terms, MeSH terms vs Subheadings etc. e) Advanced techniques for optimising sensitivity and precision f) Careful use of DTA filters as part of a multi-stranded approach.