Journal
EVALUATION & THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Volume 34, Issue 3, Pages 297-308Publisher
SAGE PUBLICATIONS INC
DOI: 10.1177/0163278710388029
Keywords
systematic review; search strategies; qualitative research; bibliographic databases; public health
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Electronic database search strategies have developed substantially over the course of the past two decades, but their optimal use within a broader search strategy remains unclear. This article evaluates the use of a range of search strategies to identify qualitative evidence on the implementation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programs. Within the time-limited context of the production of a policy-relevant systematic review, the authors found the protocol-driven, targeted, and reference-checking search strategies to be the most effective, while obtaining authors' suggestions proved to be a resource-intensive process with negligible results. Weaknesses in the indexing of qualitative research in electronic literature databases mean that the sensitivity of searches may need to be reduced to allow time for other search strategies to be implemented. Expert knowledge may be optimally used through involving experts in the design and implementation of a search strategy, rather than solely as a source of citations.
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