Project Summary
Objectives: Systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis projects require systematic search methods. Search systems require several essential attributes in order to support systematic search method; however, many systems used in evidence synthesis fail to meet one or more of these requirements. A qualitative study was undertaken with two aims: 1. To examine the effect of these limitations on searching, and 2. To explore how and why searchers select platforms and databases for evidence synthesis projects.
Methods: Data were collected from interviews with twelve systematic searchers. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Analysis identified two overarching themes relating to search systems: interfaces shape search processes, and systematic searching occurs within the information market. Searchers face constraints of technology, time, and access which they must navigate while attempting to fulfill the goals and methodological requirements of evidence synthesis.
Two publications are planned, utilizing this data collection. One will illustrate how searchers respond to the limitations they encounter in search systems and suggest potential reasons why those limitations persist. A subsequent publication will report two additional themes that pertain more broadly to searchers' role in evidence synthesis. The data for both publications were coded simultaneously, and the deposited data include the themes for both publications.
Selection and Organization of Shared Data
Data for "What do systematic searchers need from search systems?" includes deidentified interview transcripts (plain text), recruitment materials, study information sheet, description of participants, pre-screening form, interview guide, consent form, and coded data.