FAQs

Why don't you have search strategies for [my favorite database]?

The project team selected a small collection of the most frequently used databases for health sciences systematic (and related) reviews to provide search translations for. Depending on the topic of any individual review, additional databases may be important to search; you can convert the Pubmed or Ovid Medline syntax to any database that you would like to search by identifying the appropriate field codes for PMID (Pubmed ID) and DOI (digital object identifier). You many need to go to the database manual to find these codes.

 

Where can I learn more about systematic searching?

While this site is designed for learning through practice, rather than instruction, there are many links on the Resources page that can direct you towards additional standards and learning opportunities.

 

What kinds of reviews do you accept for submission as potential practice sets?

We started our site with a selection of health sciences papers that self-identify as systematic reviews. However, we are planning to build upon this original set! You can submit other structured review designs (scoping reviews, rapid reviews, etc) as well as other subject areas (social sciences, environmental sciences, etc). For topics outside of the health sciences, we will likely contact you to help determine the appropriate set of databases for the Topic and Key documents.

 

Still have questions? Contact Whitney Townsend at whitneyt@umich.edu