Background:
Developing search strategies for Cochrane systematic reviews of DTA studies is challenging because of the lack of standard terminology and consistency with which DTA methods are described in database records. In addition, index and reference tests may be various and poorly described. Furthermore, the use of methodological search filters is not recommended. Searching for DTA studies presents different challenges from searching for interventions.

Objectives:
To present evidence-based approaches to the specific challenges of developing search strategies for Cochrane systematic reviews of DTA studies.

Description:
The workshop will comprise an overview of the specific issues around searching for DTA studies. This will be followed by a small group exercise to develop a search strategy for a Cochrane DTA systematic review. The learning points from the exercise will be discussed in a keynote session. We envisage 30 minutes for each component of the workshop.

Participants will gain an understanding of the following specific issues particular to DTA reviews:

- identifying and structuring concepts appropriately including techniques for identifying subject indexing and text words;
- issues around DTA search filters, such as the specific circumstances when DTA filters might be used to inform searches;
- how DTA searches can differ from searches for effects evidence.