UC Library Guides: Systematic Reviews in Health: Database Searching

Database Searching

Once the research protocol is completed, Library database searching can begin.

For many Systematic Reviews, a search of the large citation databases, such as CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science, is sufficient. A more comprehensive Systematic Review will also search other sources, including clinical trial registries, and Grey Literature. Chapter 4 of the Cochrane Handbook provides guidance on bibliographic databases to search when completing a Systematic Review.¹

Searching Grey Literature

There are many definitions of grey literature, but it is generally understood to mean literature that is not formally published in sources such as books or journal articles. Conference abstracts for example, are a form of grey literature. See the Library Guide Grey Literature Searching in Health for sources of Grey Literature.

Large Citation Databases to Search

CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCO) This link opens in a new window
Large research database covering the areas of nursing, and all allied health disciplines.
MEDLINE (EBSCOhost) This link opens in a new window
United States National Library of Medicine (NLM) research database. Biomedical focus covers medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and health care. NOTE: Medline is also searchable via the PubMed interface.
PsycINFO (EBSCOhost) This link opens in a new window
APA PsycINFO is a resource devoted to peer-reviewed literature in behavioral science and mental health. Coverage 1887 - present
Scopus This link opens in a new window
Largest multi-disciplinary abstract and citation database of research literature. NOTE: Scopus includes EMBASE citations.
Web of Science Core Collection This link opens in a new window
Large multi-disciplinary abstract and citation database of research literature. A search of Web of Science Core Collection will complement a search of Scopus.

Trials Register Databases to Search

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registery (ANZCTR) This link opens in a new window
An online register of clinical trials being undertaken in Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere.
Includes trials from the areas of pharmaceuticals, surgical procedures, preventive measures, lifestyle, devices, treatment and rehabilitation strategies and complementary therapies.
ClinicalTrials.gov This link opens in a new window
Registers trials that are recruiting and reports which have been completed.
Includes results for many studies.
Majority of the trials in this registry are never published, so a good place to search for clinical trial data.
Cochrane Central Registrar of controlled Trials (CENTRAL) This link opens in a new window
Concentrated source of reports of randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials.
The majority of CENTRAL records are taken from bibliographic databases (mainly MEDLINE and Embase), but records are also derived from other published and unpublished sources.
CENTRAL records often include an abstract but do not contain the full text of the article.
ISRCTN registry (BioMed Central) This link opens in a new window
Primary clinical trial registry recognised by WHO and ICMJE that accepts all clinical research studies (whether proposed, ongoing or completed), providing content validation and curation and the unique identification number necessary for publication.
World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform This link opens in a new window
ICTRP provides access to a central database containing the trial registration data sets provided by a number of trial registries. It also provides links to the full original records.

References

1. Higgins, J., & Thomas, J. (eds.). (2024). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions. Version 6.5. Available: https://training.cochrane.org/handbook/current

Systematic Reviews in Health

Reporting the Search

PRISMA-S

Database Searching

Searching Grey Literature

Large Citation Databases to Search

Trials Register Databases to Search

References