Choosing the right databases and search techniques

Abstract

In this chapter we will explore how to choose resources and techniques to provide the best returns. Systematic searching is most often associated with systematic reviews in health care. However, systematic searching is also a key element of scoping reviews, systematic maps and realist reviews and the issues we describe here will certainly be useful when undertaking literature searching in any subject field including health, education and environment. By the end you will have confidence in how to plan for your search, how to select the best sources to search, and the best way to utilize those resources to maximize returns without increasing time pressures or workload. [...]