Strengthening health policy and systems research methodologies and promoting sound teaching of such methodologies
Searching databases for systematic reviews (SR) in Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR).
Performing comprehensive searches to obtain all available evidence is essential to avoid selection bias in systematic reviews. This bias overestimates effects, misleading decision-making process. Efforts displayed in searching for clinical effectiveness reviews have declined, not only because of the implied workload but also for alternative strategies developed to easily access randomized trials. In the field of HPSR, these trials are not the only source of evidence considered in reviews. Locating studies is difficult, and there is consensus about importance of searching in multiple databases.
There is lack of evidence regarding which, how and when this type of database is useful in the context of systematic reviews. This project is intended to address this knowledge gap and to teach these methodologies at different levels. Connected to the Alliance-supported Centre for Systematic Reviews in Chile, the main objectives of this project include:
- exploring the usefulness of minor databases (such as LILACS) in the searching stage of systematic reviews in HPSR relevant to LMICs;
- developing a search strategy in LILACS database useful for finding studies in HPSR relevant to LMICs;
- establishing a process of research that may be reproducible in other settings and databases; and
- developing teaching activities aimed at information scientists and reviewers.
Outputs of the project will include peer-reviewed papers, a narrative review, a presentation at the Cochrane Colloquium, a new search strategy for LILACs, and the development of modules and courses, particularly useful for systematic review workshops focused on HPSR.
Project description
Programme: Strengthening health policy and systems research methodologies and promoting sound teaching of such methodologies
Research title: Searching databases for systematic reviews (SR) in Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR)
Thematic Research Area: Cross Cutting
Grantee Country: Chile
Grantee Institution: Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Programme coordinator: Dr Rada Gabriel
Start date: January 2009
Status of grant: Completed