Interested in conducting a literature review? There are many types—narrative, rapid, scoping, and systematic—all with different methodologies to use. The NIH Library’s Systematic Review Service is available to guide you through the entire process. We offer classes, consultations, and resources to assist you with everything from selecting the most appropriate type of review to getting your systematic review written and published.
Classes
The NIH Library is offering a series of one-hour webinars on systematic reviews. Click on the links below for more information and to register.
- Introduction to the Systematic Review Process
September 8, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. - Developing and Publishing Your Systematic Review Protocol
September 13, 2:00–3:00 p.m. - Developing the Research Question and Conducting the Literature Search
September 15, 12:00–1:00 p.m. - Introduction to Scoping Reviews
September 16, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. - Exploring the Cochrane Library: Systematic Reviews, Clinical Trials, and More
September 21, 12:00–1:00 p.m. - Screening Best Practices and Managing Your Data for Systematic Reviews
September 22, 2:00–3:00 p.m. - Using Covidence for Conducting Your Systematic Review
September 29, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. - Getting Your Systematic Review Written and Published
September 30, 2:00–3:00 p.m. - Selecting the Most Appropriate Type of Literature Review for Your Research
October 18, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Consultations
NIH Librarians are available to help you select the appropriate type of review for your needs, and then identify and complete the steps of your review, conduct the literature search, and edit the final manuscript. Schedule a consultation to get started today.
Covidence: Systematic Review Software
The NIH Library now offers Covidence, an online tool for managing and streamlining your systematic review. Covidence can help you screen and administer citations, conduct data extraction, and perform critical appraisal. Contact Alicia Livinski, alicia.livinski@nih.gov, to request access and for assistance with using Covidence.
Databases
The NIH Library provides access to the three primary databases used for most systematic reviews:
- Cochrane Library
Contains high-quality, independent evidence to inform health care decision-making, including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). CENTRAL is a curated registry of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials conducted worldwide. Search using keywords or controlled vocabulary terms, and export results to a citation management tool.
- Embase
Allows users to build comprehensive literature searches through its extensive, deeply indexed database and flexible search options. By applying the PICO (Patient or Problem; Intervention; Comparison or Control; and Outcome) framework, users can structure searches that address clinical questions. Users can search Embase by keywords, controlled vocabulary terms, or use a special search feature to find literature on drugs, medical devices, pharmacovigilance, and more.
- PubMed/MEDLINE
Features advanced search functions and filters to find literature for your systematic review. Search using keywords and controlled vocabulary terms from MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) to focus your search and find relevant information.
The NIH Library in Building 10 serves the information needs of NIH staff and select Department of Health and Human Services agencies. The NIH Library is part of the Office of Research Services in the Office of the Director. To stay updated on NIH Library classes, events, resources, and services, subscribe to our e-news.