Searching for studies for inclusion in Cochrane Reviews

Article type
Authors
Lefebvre C1, Glanville J2, Cumpston M3
1Information Retrieval Methods Group, UK
2Cochrane Information Retrieval Methods Group, UK
3Australasian Cochrane Centre
Abstract
Objectives:

The aim of this workshop is to provide Cochrane Review authors with guidance on searching for studies for inclusion in a Cochrane Review. Questions to be considered will include: where to search for studies; how to search efficiently and what to do with the search results.

Description:

This session is primarily aimed at Cochrane Review authors and will focus on Cochrane Collaboration policy for searching for studies as described in Chapter 6 of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Searching for Studies) and the recently published MECIR standards (http://www.editorial-unit.cochrane.org/mecir). The workshop will highlight each area addressed in the Handbook chapter including: developing a search strategy using PICO; sensitivity versus precision; Boolean operators and controlled vocabulary; going beyond MEDLINE—identification and comparison of resources; organizing and managing the search results and documenting and reporting the search process. The facilitators for this workshop are both Co-Convenors of the Cochrane Information Retrieval Methods Group and authors of the Cochrane Handbook Chapter (Searching for Studies). The session will include presentations, demonstrations, group discussion and practical exercises. Due to the limited availability of computer labs at the Colloquium, please note that this will NOT be a hands-on workshop.