At this initial stage we identify relevant literature through thorough database searching. You can search databases using your keywords and synonyms (and MeSH terms/Subject Terms if applicable).
For comprehensive coverage search at least three different databases, using Boolean Operators (AND OR) and use tools like truncation, wildcards and phrase searching to retrieve relevant literature. USearch and Google Scholar would NOT be considered appropriate for review searching.
Keep the search strategy consistent , applying date, language and journal article limiters- record the number of articles in your PRISMA, and export all articles to RefWorks for screening. You can enter n as a total amount or individualise the databases' retrievals.
If you search trial registers, such as ClinicalTrials.gov, Centerwatch, or ISRCTN you should enter that number in Registers (n=).
Grey literature for Health Guide
You can find a video explainer on search strategies here.
The same article may appear in more than one database search, so you will need to remove duplicate copies of those articles at this stage.
It is the initial part of the screening process.
Duplicates are identified and removed, leaving one copy of all articles retrieved.
RefWorks, or other citation management software, can help remove duplicates.
Fill in the n for number of articles left after de-duplication.
You will find video support for deduplication in RefWorks here