List the databases that will be searched.
Specify the earliest date from which studies will be sought in thee databases.
Note any language or publication status restrictions (but refer to Section 6.4.9).
List grey literature sources that will be searched.
List any journals and conference proceedings that will specifically be handsearched for the review.
List any other sources (e.g. reference lists, the internet).
The inclusion of any detailed (line by line) search strategies in the protocol for a Cochrane review is optional. Where searches have already been undertaken at the protocol stage it is considered useful to include them in the protocol so that they can be commented upon in the same way as other aspects of the protocol. Some CRGs are of the view that no searches should be undertaken until the protocol is finalized for publication as knowledge of the available studies might influence aspects of the protocol such as inclusion criteria.