List all databases searched.
Note the dates of the last search for each database or the period searched.
Note any language or publication status restrictions (but refer to Section 6.4.9).
List individuals or organizations contacted.
For further guidance on how this information should be listed see Chapter 11 (Section 11.8).
In the ‘Search methods for identification of studies’ section(s):
List all databases searched.
Note the dates of the last search for each database AND the period searched.
Note any language or publication status restrictions (but refer to Section 6.4.9).
List grey literature sources.
List individuals or organizations contacted.
List any journals and conference proceedings specifically handsearched for the review.
List any other sources searched (e.g. reference lists, the internet).
The full search strategies for each database should be included in an Appendix of the review to avoid interrupting the flow of the text of the review. The search strategies should be copied and pasted exactly as run and included in full together with the line numbers for each search set. They should not be re-typed as this can introduce errors. For further detailed guidance on this contact the Trials Search Co-ordinator.
A single date should be specified in the 'date of search' field, to indicate when the most recent comprehensive search was started. For more information on specifying this date, see Chapter 3 (Section 3.3.3).