Beyond MEDLINE for literature searches.
OBJECTIVE
To describe strategies for a comprehensive literature search.


METHODS
MEDLINE searches result in limited numbers of studies that are often biased toward statistically significant findings. Diversified search strategies are needed.


METHODS
Empirical evidence about the recall and precision of diverse search strategies is presented. Challenges and strengths of each search strategy are identified.


RESULTS
Search strategies vary in recall and precision. Often sensitivity and specificity are inversely related. Valuable search strategies include examination of multiple diverse computerized databases, ancestry searches, citation index searches, examination of research registries, journal hand searching, contact with the "invisible college," examination of abstracts, Internet searches, and contact with sources of synthesized information.


CONCLUSIONS
Extending searches beyond MEDLINE enables researchers to conduct more systematic comprehensive searches.
Conn
Vicki S
VS
Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. conn@missouri.edu
Isaramalai
Sang-arun
SA
Rath
Sabyasachi
S
Jantarakupt
Peeranuch
P
Wadhawan
Rohini
R
Dash
Yashodhara
Y
D003200:Computer User Training; D019992:Databases as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval / Q000379:methods*; D020407:Internet; D016239:MEDLINE / Q000592:standards*; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D012196:Review Literature as Topic