We want to hear from you. You're viewing the newest version of the Library's website. Please send us your feedback!
Interactive Module on Systematic Searching
This interactive module will help you to understand the components of a systematic search for a focused research question. Work through the worksheet activities to build a systematic search strategy on your own research topic.
Library support for systematic/scoping reviews
- Systematic review supportOverview of the types of UW Library support for systematic/scoping review projects
- Consultation checklistComplete form before meeting with librarian
Search help
- Covidence screening outlineScreening steps and PRISMA flowchart
- Database selection toolRecommended databases for health and related discplines
Collections of database search strategies:
COVID-19 and related topics
- CADTH Covid-19 search filtersCOVID-19, PPE, patient isolation, telehealth, social distancing, healthcare workers
- U Toronto COVID-19 search stringsCovid-19, drug therapy, telemedicine
Search filters on wide range of topics
- U Alberta search filtersStudy design, geographic, indigeneous peoples, socioeconomic factors, specific conditions, health facilities, environment, climate change,
- PubMed Special Queriessubjects include health disparities, dietary supplements, health literacy, population health and more
- CADTH search filters databasestudy design, guidelines, economics, quality of life
- ISSG search filtersStudy design, age, animal studies, geographic, health equity, primary care, population groups, quality improvement, health apps
- U Texas, School Public Health search filtersstudy design, program evaluation, guidelines, qualitative research, vaccines
- McMaster HIRU search hedgesfocus on clinical study design, economics
- searchRxiva database containing published search strategies
Additional help resources
- Systematic reviews: The processDuke University Medical Center Library
- Systematic reviewsUniversity of Western Ontario Library guide
- Systematic reviews- searching the literatureUniversity of Alberta Library guide
- Systematic Review ResourcesU of Texas Health Science Center
How do I conduct a....?
The guides listed below provide researchers with a comprehensive overview of the systematic review process.
- Guidelines for Undertaking Systematic ReviewsCentre for Reviews and Dissemination (published 2009)
- PRISMA Reporting Guidelines (2020 update)Guidelines outlining reporting standards for systematic reviews
- Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis: Online courseOnline course from the Campbell Collaboration and the Open learning Initiative. This course is free during the pilot phase
- Systematic Reviews of Health Promotion and Public Health InterventionsCochrane document outlining guidelines for conducting and reporting Cochrane systematic reviews in public health
Meta-analysis resources
- Systematic reviews and meta-analysesSimple and concise overview of systematic review methodology
- Systematic reviews in health care : meta-analysis in contextPrint book. 2nd ed. BMJ 2001. Located in Davis Centre Library book stacks R853 S94 2001
- PRISMA-S ChecklistGuidelines for reporting the search methods for systematic literature searches
- Scoping Reviews - Library GuideUniversity of South Australia
Key methods papers
- Doing a literature review in health and social care : a practical guideONLINE BOOK: 2nd edition, McGraw Hill, 2010.
PRINT BOOK located in Davis Centre Library book stacks, RA440.85 A94x 2010.
Articles discussing review types:
Systematic review management software
- Covidence - a systematic review software toolWeb-based software to support systematic screening and data abstraction for systematic and scoping reviews. Free for Waterloo students, faculty and researchers.
- DistillerUseful for large research teams conducting systematic reviews. Student pricing available
- RayyanA free web-tool designed to manage the stages of systematic reviews and other knowledge synthesis projects.
How do I find published systematic reviews?
Search these resources to find a systematic review written on a topic.
- Cochrane LibrarySystematic reviews of health care interventions.
- Campbell Collaboration online librarySystematic reviews focusing on social and economic change
- Health Evidence.caA searchable online registry of systematic reviews of public health and health promotion interventions.
- EpistemonikosSystematic review database
- CADTH ReportsCanadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) reports include rapid reviews, HTA
- AHRQ Research Findings & ReportsAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality publications include evidence based reports and technology assessments