Are you looking for help with your systematic review? The NIH Library’s Systematic Review Service offers consultations, classes, and resources to guide you through your entire systematic review process.
Consultations
A systematic review is a study of studies, and as with other study types there are standards for the proper conduct and reporting of systematic reviews in the literature. This helps ensure that they are reproducible, transparent, and completed correctly. Additionally, there are many types of systematic reviews, each of which has a formal methodology and reporting requirements. NIH Librarians are available to help you select the appropriate type of review, complete the various steps of a systematic review, conduct the literature search, and edit the final manuscript.Schedule a consultation to get started today.
Classes
In September, 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 2, 12:00—1:00 p.m. - Types of Literature Reviews
September 3, 12:00—1:00 p.m. - Developing and Publishing Your Systematic Review Protocol
September 9, 12:00—1:00 p.m. - Developing the Research Question and Conducting the Literature Search
September 10, 12:00—1:00 p.m. - Gray Literature: Searching Beyond the Databases
September 14, 12:00—1:00 p.m. - Screening Best Practices and Managing Your Data for Systematic Reviews
September 15, 12:00—1:00 p.m. - Using EndNote for Systematic Reviews
September 16, 12:00—1:00 p.m. - Writing and Publishing Your Systematic Review
September 22, 12:00—1:00 p.m. - Meta-Analysis: Quantifying a Systematic Review
September 29, 9:30—10:30 a.m.
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.
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