Article type
Abstract
Background
Textual evidence often represents the best available evidence where formal research on the specific topic is limited or non-existent. JBI conceptualizes textual evidence as documented sources of communication, other than research, that aid in making decisions in healthcare, and includes sources such as narrative, expert opinion, and policy.
Objective
The objective is to highlight and address challenges and provide strategies in developing a search strategy for systematic reviews of textual evidence, taking into consideration the unique complexities of locating grey literature published outside of academic journals.
Methods
The JBI Textual Evidence Methodology group convened over a year through discourse and examination of previous textual evidence systematic reviews, extant literature regarding textual and opinion evidence, and working through examples. While public consumers are beneficiaries of this work, they were not directly involved in these efforts.
Results
When conducting a JBI review of textual evidence, it is important to consider different sources of published and unpublished material. While systematic search methodologies have been well-established for searching traditional peer reviewed literature, applying those same rigorous methods to the grey literature can be more challenging. Part of the search strategy is to not only define what type of textual evidence is being included (narrative, opinion, policy) but also to provide details if a more specific search is being conducted. The specificity may include limiting to particular types of evidence (e.g. white papers, policy documents, editorials). This specificity should include a description as to why limiting the search to these forms of evidence is warranted based upon the initial review question(s). Based on these factors, strategies, and guidance for developing a robust search strategy for textual evidence were created.
Conclusions
JBI systematic reviews of textual evidence aim to provide evidence-based recommendations to guide healthcare practice. Searching broadly across databases, including sources of grey literature may provide the best available or most appropriate evidence to address specific research
Textual evidence often represents the best available evidence where formal research on the specific topic is limited or non-existent. JBI conceptualizes textual evidence as documented sources of communication, other than research, that aid in making decisions in healthcare, and includes sources such as narrative, expert opinion, and policy.
Objective
The objective is to highlight and address challenges and provide strategies in developing a search strategy for systematic reviews of textual evidence, taking into consideration the unique complexities of locating grey literature published outside of academic journals.
Methods
The JBI Textual Evidence Methodology group convened over a year through discourse and examination of previous textual evidence systematic reviews, extant literature regarding textual and opinion evidence, and working through examples. While public consumers are beneficiaries of this work, they were not directly involved in these efforts.
Results
When conducting a JBI review of textual evidence, it is important to consider different sources of published and unpublished material. While systematic search methodologies have been well-established for searching traditional peer reviewed literature, applying those same rigorous methods to the grey literature can be more challenging. Part of the search strategy is to not only define what type of textual evidence is being included (narrative, opinion, policy) but also to provide details if a more specific search is being conducted. The specificity may include limiting to particular types of evidence (e.g. white papers, policy documents, editorials). This specificity should include a description as to why limiting the search to these forms of evidence is warranted based upon the initial review question(s). Based on these factors, strategies, and guidance for developing a robust search strategy for textual evidence were created.
Conclusions
JBI systematic reviews of textual evidence aim to provide evidence-based recommendations to guide healthcare practice. Searching broadly across databases, including sources of grey literature may provide the best available or most appropriate evidence to address specific research