Track Your Searches
Document your searches to:
- Keep track of your search terms so you don't duplicate
- Keep track of the databases you've searched
- Reuse successful search terms in multiple databases
- Describe your search methods in your paper (if needed)
- Provide evidence of a thorough search
Write down what database you searched, the keywords or subject headings used, the date, number of results, and comments/notes to yourself for improving future searches.
Items to document
- databases and resources searched
- search strategies for each resource, including the search terms and filters used (e.g. dates, population, language etc.)
- the date each search was conducted
- who conducted the search if working in a group
- number of results for each search strategy
- notes on any individual journal that were searched
Resources for documenting your search
We recommend that you document your search strategies using a tool with which you're comfortable. Commonly used tools include desktop or web-based word processors and spreadsheet software. Web-based software (e.g. MUSC Box, Google Docs or Google Sheets) should be considered for collaborative projects.
If you are doing a systematic review, you will need to include a PRISMA Flow Diagram in your published manuscript.
