Systematic reviews at UCSF: an evaluation of methodology
Abstract
Presentation at the 2017 Medical Library Association Conference
Objective: UCSF Library has one year trial access to Embase with the express goal of providing a systematic review service to assist authors create this increasingly important study type. The aim of the current study is to analyze the last 10 years of systematic reviews written by UCSF authors for databases used and conformity with IOM and PRISMA recommendations.
Methods: A search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for UCSF-authored systematic reviews between 1/1/2006 through 8/23/2016 found 2133 articles. Title/abstract screening eliminated 979 articles that did not meet inclusion criteria. Data was extracted from the remaining 1154 articles.
The following data will be extracted: number and names of databases searched, extent of librarian involvement in the review, and other methodological components identified in PRISMA and IOM guidelines. Descriptive statistics will be used to look for patterns and trends, and bivariate analyses may be used to examine relationships between methodological factors (e.g. librarian involvement) and other variables (e.g. departmental affiliation). Our conclusions will help inform instructional services, database purchase decisions, and targeted promotion of our systematic review services. Future investigation will include effect of these efforts on UCSF community conformity with Systematic Review best practices.