How do you choose the best database for your systematic review?

Well-defined scope + clear criteria = more focused and impactful systematic review Just like a physician wouldn't treat all ailments with the same medication, a systematic review should not be conducted without a well-defined scope and clear criteria. This approach saves time and resources, and enhances the credibility and reliability of the findings.

I always tell my mentees: If you ever find yourself drowning in an ocean of articles, unsure if they even align with your review's objectives - ask yourself: Have I properly defined the scope and criteria? This not only provides direction but filters out the noise in search results. Once clear on the scope, it's like having a compass guiding you through the systematic review process.

Embarking on a systematic review necessitates a meticulous definition of scope and criteria. Clearly articulate your research question and objectives, serving as the compass for your inquiry. Establish inclusion and exclusion criteria, delineating the boundaries of study selection. This clarity prevents ambiguity, ensuring precision in your systematic review. Delve into the types of studies aligning with your objectives. Are you seeking randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, or qualitative research? Identifying study types refines your search strategy, enhancing the relevance of your findings. Define key terms and concepts pertinent to your topic. This lexicon forms the basis for constructing effective search queries.

Biomedical and Life Sciences: Database: PubMed Reason: PubMed is a primary resource for biomedical and life sciences literature, covering a vast array of medical and healthcare-related research. Multidisciplinary: Databases: Scopus, Web of Science Reason: These databases provide comprehensive coverage across multiple disciplines, including science, social science, arts, and humanities. Psychology: Database: PsycINFO Reason: PsycINFO is specialized in psychology and related fields, offering a wealth of information on psychological research. Engineering and Technology: Database: IEEE Xplore, Compendex (Engineering Village) Social Sciences: Database: Social Sciences Citation Index (part of Web of Science), JSTOR

Try this tool: SearchRefinery.. .. to avoid regretful moments when you realize you've been down a rabbit hole of irrelevant articles! Just as chefs taste and adjust their recipes, testing and refining search strategies is crucial. It ensures you're on the right path before diving in head-first. Adjust, refine, and test again until the results echo your criteria.

This is SO important for: - Reproducibility: Ensures other researchers can follow the same steps and reach similar conclusions, strengthening the validity of the review. -Transparency: Provides clarity about the decision-making process behind database selection, reinforcing the credibility of your work. - Trustworthiness: By detailing every step, peers can evaluate the rigor and thoroughness of the systematic review. - Future Reference: Aids in quickly revisiting or updating the review by having a clear map of what was done. - Consistency: Keeps the research process standardized, making it easier for team members or collaborators to stay aligned.

Imagine your research question as the North Star, a guide showing your path forward. Define your scope and criteria as the constellation, mapping out the boundaries of your journey. What lies within your chosen constellation? What lies beyond? Consider your inclusion and exclusion criteria as the winds that shape your voyage. Are you seeking specific types of studies, like pearls hidden within the depths, waiting to be discovered? Or are there treacherous reefs of irrelevant data to avoid? Your key terms and concepts are the constellations you navigate by, guiding your search through the boundless expanse. Each term a star in its own right, guiding you toward your destination.