Peer reviewing comprehensive search strategies in hemophilia and von Willebrand disease

Ellen Crumley, Neera Bhatnagar, and Kent Stobart
Page(s) 113-116  | Published by the Canadian Health Libraries Association

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Abstract: Objective – To design and implement peer-reviewed comprehensive search strategies to revise the clinical practice guidelines for hemophilia and von Willebrand disease (http://www.ahcdc.ca/publications.htm). Methods – Nineteen systematic search strategies were designed and independently peer-reviewed by two librarians with searching expertise. Topics included blood components, comprehensive care, diagnosis, genetic counseling, management, preoperative assessment, etc. Twelve databases were used: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Biological Abstracts, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Web of Science, CINAHL, CancerLit, All EBM Reviews, PsycINFO, Genetics Abstracts, and Social Science Abstracts. Strategies focused upon high recall rather than precision. Based upon feedback from reviewers, relevant keywords and subject headings were added to original searches and the revised searches were rerun. Results – Overall, revised searches had higher yield. An analysis of the words added to strategies is underway. Search sensitivity and precision results will be available when articles are selected for guideline revision. Discussion – It was expected that the search yield would increase with the revisions. To our knowledge, there are no other published comprehensive searches in von Willebrand disease (vWD) and hemophilia. In addition, peer reviewing search strategies is not a typical occurrence. Reviewers spent an average of 10–60 h reviewing strategies and suggesting revisions. Conclusions – Collaboration enabled the librarians to learn from each other. This process improved strategies and increased their yield. But, this was at an economic and time cost; the value of having independent librarians review comprehensive search strategies needs to be determined.

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