Su Golder1, Yoon K Loke. 1. Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD), University of York, York, UK. su.golder@york.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Search filters have been developed in MEDLINE and EMBASE to help overcome the challenges of searching electronic databases for information on adverse effects. However, little evaluation of their effectiveness has been carried out. OBJECTIVES: To measure the sensitivity and precision of available adverse effects search filters in MEDLINE and EMBASE. METHODS: A case study systematic review of fracture related adverse effects associated with the use of thiazolidinediones was used. Twelve MEDLINE search strategies and three EMBASE search strategies were tested. RESULTS: Nineteen relevant references from MEDLINE and 24 from EMBASE were included in the review. Four search filters in MEDLINE achieved high sensitivity (95 or 100%) with an improved level of precision from searches without any adverse effects filter. High precision in MEDLINE could also be achieved (up to 53%) using search filters that rely on Medical Subject Headings. No search filter in EMBASE achieved high precision (all were under 5%) and the highest sensitivity in EMBASE was 83%. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse effects search filters appear to be effective in MEDLINE for achieving either high sensitivity or high precision. Search filters in EMBASE, however, do not appear as effective, particularly in improving precision.
BACKGROUND: Search filters have been developed in MEDLINE and EMBASE to help overcome the challenges of searching electronic databases for information on adverse effects. However, little evaluation of their effectiveness has been carried out. OBJECTIVES: To measure the sensitivity and precision of available adverse effects search filters in MEDLINE and EMBASE. METHODS: A case study systematic review of fracture related adverse effects associated with the use of thiazolidinediones was used. Twelve MEDLINE search strategies and three EMBASE search strategies were tested. RESULTS: Nineteen relevant references from MEDLINE and 24 from EMBASE were included in the review. Four search filters in MEDLINE achieved high sensitivity (95 or 100%) with an improved level of precision from searches without any adverse effects filter. High precision in MEDLINE could also be achieved (up to 53%) using search filters that rely on Medical Subject Headings. No search filter in EMBASE achieved high precision (all were under 5%) and the highest sensitivity in EMBASE was 83%. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse effects search filters appear to be effective in MEDLINE for achieving either high sensitivity or high precision. Search filters in EMBASE, however, do not appear as effective, particularly in improving precision.
Authors: Nina Nederlof; Annelijn E Slaman; Pieter van Hagen; Ate van der Gaast; Ksenija Slankamenac; Suzanne S Gisbertz; Jan J B van Lanschot; Bas P L Wijnhoven; Mark I van Berge Henegouwen Journal: Ann Surg Oncol Date: 2016-06-14 Impact factor: 5.344
Authors: Ana Filipa Macedo; Fiona Claire Taylor; Juan P Casas; Alma Adler; David Prieto-Merino; Shah Ebrahim Journal: BMC Med Date: 2014-03-22 Impact factor: 8.775