The decisions and processes involved in a systematic search strategy: A hierarchical framework

Methods: The literature was searched for documents or guides on conducting a systematic review search strategy. The decisions or processes for locating studies were extracted from the eligible documents and categorised into a structured hierarchical framework. Feedback from experts was sought to revise the framework. The framework was revised iteratively and tested using recently published literature on searching. Results: Guidance documents were identified from expert organisations and a search of the literature and internet. Data was extracted from 72 eligible documents to form the initial framework. The framework was revised based on feedback from 9 search experts and further review and testing by the authors. The hierarchical framework consists of 119 decisions or processes sorted into 17 categories and arranged under 5 topics. These topics are: “Skill of the searcher”; “Selecting information to identify”; “Searching the literature electronically”; “Other ways to identify studies” and “Updating the systematic review”. Data sets: This data contains initial search results, screening decisions, and extracted data from relevant studies need to complete the hierarchical framework.