Use and application of geographical restrictions in systematic reviews with the aim of including studies about Germany: An update of a methodological review
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
39633529
Abstract
Background
In systematic reviews (SRs), geographical limitations in literature searches can aid in focussing research efforts. A methodological review published in 2016 examined the approaches SR authors use to identify studies about Germany, analysing 36 SRs.
Objective
The aim of this study was to update the original review.
Methods
We conducted a literature search on PubMed for SRs synthesising evidence from studies about Germany published between 22 January 2016 and 7 June 2022. Two reviewers independently performed study selection and data extraction. We evaluated the application of search syntax for restricting studies to those about Germany using the peer review of electronic search strategies criteria. The updated findings were reported and summarised alongside those of the original review.
Results
Thirty-two additional SRs were newly included (total = 68). Geographic restrictions were applied in 57 SRs, representing 72% in the original review and increasing to 97% in the newly included SRs. Moreover, there was an increased use of truncations and field tags.
Conclusion
Although geographical restriction methods are increasingly utilised, additional tools are necessary to enhance the robustness of search strategies. The development of a dedicated geographical search filter would facilitate the identification of studies about Germany.
In systematic reviews (SRs), geographical limitations in literature searches can aid in focussing research efforts. A methodological review published in 2016 examined the approaches SR authors use to identify studies about Germany, analysing 36 SRs.
Objective
The aim of this study was to update the original review.
Methods
We conducted a literature search on PubMed for SRs synthesising evidence from studies about Germany published between 22 January 2016 and 7 June 2022. Two reviewers independently performed study selection and data extraction. We evaluated the application of search syntax for restricting studies to those about Germany using the peer review of electronic search strategies criteria. The updated findings were reported and summarised alongside those of the original review.
Results
Thirty-two additional SRs were newly included (total = 68). Geographic restrictions were applied in 57 SRs, representing 72% in the original review and increasing to 97% in the newly included SRs. Moreover, there was an increased use of truncations and field tags.
Conclusion
Although geographical restriction methods are increasingly utilised, additional tools are necessary to enhance the robustness of search strategies. The development of a dedicated geographical search filter would facilitate the identification of studies about Germany.
Date Issued
2024
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Subjects
Europe, central
•
database searching
•
indexing
•
literature searching
•
recall
•
review, systematic
•
review, systematic ‐ as topic
•
search strategies
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Muente, Catharina | |
Pachanov, Alexander | |
Hoffmann, Falk | |
Palm, Rebecca | |
Munschek, Silvan | |
Pieper, Dawid |
Additional Credits
Journal
Health Information and Libraries Journal
Publisher
Wiley
ISSN
1471-1834
Access(Rights)
open.access