Literature Reviews in the Health Science

4. This is a critical step for rigorous review papers, such as systematic reviews.

Consider whether it makes sense for you to document the following during your search process:

• the databases and resources used
• search strategies for each resource, including the search terms and limits used (e.g. dates, language, etc.)
• the date each search was conducted
• the number of results for each search strategy
• notes on any individual journals that were searched separately

Use a tool that you are comfortable with either a desktop or web-based word processor or spreadsheet software, such as: Google Docs or Google Sheets if the project is collaborative.

Here you will want to track your search strategies and associated databases. View Excel example
View Word doc example   (courtesy VCU Libraries)

Systematic reviews require strict documentation, see information in the Protocols tab. View an example of documentation sheet. (courtesy VCU Libraries)