Clinical and Research Support (old)

Systematic & Literature Review Support

The Clinical and Research Support Service is able to provide support to Melbourne Health staff who are undertaking systematic reviews, literature reviews or other forms of knowledge synthesis.

We can provide advice, support & training during the life cycle of your review. This might include:

Establishment Phase

         Checking for existing systematic reviews on your topic
         Recommending relevant databases grey literature sources & to be searched
         Advising on search strategies
         1:1 database instruction consultations

Expert Searching

         Developing, conducting, & translating the search across selected databases
         Applying validated search filters
         Searching for relevant grey literature
         Delivering search results in an EndNote library (by request)
         De-duplication of search results (by request)
         Saving the search in a format allowing editing/updating
         Updating the search prior to publication

The Search Methodology

         Writing the search methodology using PRISMA

Peer Review

Peer review of search strategies.

Acquiring Full Text

         Advising on how to obtain full text articles from the library collection and freely available sources.

Note: For systematic reviews being done as part of a qualification (undergraduate, postgraduate or professional) we do not supply finished searches. We do provide training, advice and feedback on searches to support the development of your research skills to meet contemporary expectations. Please contact us to discuss how we can help you.

Research Support

To request search assistance, contact our Clinical & Research Support team.

If you have a protocol for your review, please attach a copy with your request.

 

Conditions of Service

Timeframe

Our  librarians will generally spend from four to eight weeks developing, testing, & completing an initial search as part of the systematic review process, & then will collaborate at need throughout the project. Consequently, only a limited number of systematic reviews can be undertaken in a given timeframe. We will endeavour to assist all staff seeking assistance, however at times, full assistance for new reviews may be limited or postponed.

 

Consultations & Communication

During the searching phase multiple consultations may be required. Depending on the depth of involvement negotiated, follow up work may also be required at intervals during the process. Although most communication can be conducted via email, face to face consultations will be required.

 

Librarian Contribution

We can offer a level of support that suits you, from advice on searching, to delivery of search strategies and results management.

Please acknowledge our contribution to your review when publishing.

We request co-authorship if we develop and conduct the literature search, and provide the methodology statement.

The Systematic Review Memorandum of Understanding (file below) should be completed prior to our undertaking substantive support activities.