scholarly journals Using citation tracking for systematic literature searching - study protocol for a scoping review of methodological studies and a Delphi study

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 1386
Author(s):  
Julian Hirt ◽  
Thomas Nordhausen ◽  
Christian Appenzeller-Herzog ◽  
Hannah Ewald

Background: Up-to-date guidance on comprehensive study identification for systematic reviews is crucial. According to current recommendations, systematic searching should combine electronic database searching with supplementary search methods. One such supplementary search method is citation tracking. It aims at collecting directly and/or indirectly cited and citing references from "seed references". Tailored and evidence-guided recommendations concerning the use of citation tracking are strongly needed. Objective: We intend to develop recommendations for the use of citation tracking in systematic literature searching for health-related topics. Our study will be guided by the following research questions: What is the benefit of citation tracking for systematic literature searching for health-related topics? Which methods, citation indexes, and other tools are used for citation tracking? What terminology is used for citation tracking methods? Methods: Our study will have two parts: a scoping review and a Delphi study. The scoping review aims at identifying methodological studies on the benefit and use of citation tracking in systematic literature searching for health-related topics with no restrictions on study design, language, and publication date. We will perform database searching in MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science Core Collection, two information science databases, web searching, and contact experts in the field. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection. We will conduct direct backward and forward citation tracking on included articles. Data from included studies will be extracted using a prespecified extraction sheet and presented in both tabular and narrative form. The results of the scoping review will inform the subsequent Delphi study through which we aim to derive consensus recommendations for the future practice and research of citation tracking.

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 1386
Author(s):  
Julian Hirt ◽  
Thomas Nordhausen ◽  
Christian Appenzeller-Herzog ◽  
Hannah Ewald

Background: Up-to-date guidance on comprehensive study identification for systematic reviews is crucial. According to current recommendations, systematic searching should combine electronic database searching with supplementary search methods. One such supplementary search method is citation tracking. It aims at collecting directly and/or indirectly cited and citing references from "seed references”. Tailored and evidence-guided recommendations concerning the use of citation tracking are strongly needed. Objective: We intend to develop recommendations for the use of citation tracking in health-related systematic literature searching. Our study will be guided by the following research questions: What are the benefits of citation tracking for health-related systematic literature searching? Which perspectives and experiences do experts in the field of literature retrieval methods have with regard to citation tracking in health-related systematic literature searching? Methods: Our study will have two parts: a scoping review and an expert survey. The scoping review aims at identifying methodological studies on benefits or problems of citation tracking in health-related systematic literature searching with no restrictions on study design, language, and publication date. We will perform database searching in MEDLINE, The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science Core Collection, two information science databases, and free web searching. Two reviewers will independently assess full texts of selected abstracts. We will conduct direct backward and forward citation tracking on included articles. The results of the scoping review will inform our expert survey through which we aim to learn about experts΄ perspectives and experiences. We will narratively synthesize the results and derive recommendations for performing health-related systematic reviews.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e046117
Author(s):  
Esther Mc Sween-Cadieux ◽  
Catherine Chabot ◽  
Amandine Fillol ◽  
Trisha Saha ◽  
Christian Dagenais

IntroductionEfforts to bridge the know–do gap have paved the way for development of the field of knowledge translation (KT). KT aims to understand how evidence use can best be promoted and supported through different activities. For dissemination activities, infographics are gaining in popularity as a promising KT tool to reach multiple health research users (eg, health practitioners, patients and families, decision-makers). However, to our knowledge, no study has yet mapped the available evidence on this tool using a systematic method. This scoping review will explore the depth and breadth of evidence on infographics use and its effectiveness in improving research uptake (eg, raising awareness, influencing attitudes, increasing knowledge, informing practice and changing behaviour).Methods and analysisWe will use the scoping review methodological framework first proposed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005), improved by Levac et al, and further refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute (2020). The search will be conducted in MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Social Science Abstracts, Library and Information Science Abstracts, Education Resources Information Center, Cairn and Google Scholar. We will also search for relevant literature from the reference lists of the included publications. Two independent reviewers will select the studies. All study designs will be eligible for inclusion, with no date or publication status restrictions. The included studies will have evaluated infographics that disseminate health research evidence and target a non-scientific audience. A data extraction form will be developed and used to extract and chart the data, which will then be synthesised to present a descriptive summary of the results.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required. To inform the research and KT communities, various dissemination activities will be developed, including user-friendly KT tools (eg, webinars, fact sheets and infographics), open-access publication and presentations at KT events and conferences.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Arnott Smith ◽  
Deahan Yu ◽  
Juan Fernando Maestre ◽  
Uba Backonja ◽  
Andrew Boyd ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Informatics tools for consumers and patients are important vehicles for facilitating engagement, and the field of consumer health informatics is an key space for exploring the potential of these tools. To understand research findings in this complex and heterogeneous field, a scoping review can help not only to identify, but to bridge, the array of diverse disciplines and publication venues involved. OBJECTIVE The goal of this systematic scoping review was to characterize the extent; range; and nature of research activity in consumer health informatics, focusing on the contributing disciplines of informatics; information science; and engineering. METHODS Four electronic databases (Compendex, LISTA, Library Literature, and INSPEC) were searched for published studies dating from January 1, 2008, to June 1, 2015. Our inclusion criteria specified that they be English-language articles describing empirical studies focusing on consumers; relate to human health; and feature technologies designed to interact directly with consumers. Clinical applications and technologies regulated by the FDA, as well as digital tools that do not provide individualized information, were excluded. RESULTS We identified 271 studies in 63 unique journals and 22 unique conference proceedings. Sixty-five percent of these studies were found in health informatics journals; 23% in information science and library science; 15% in computer science; 4% in medicine; and 5% in other fields, ranging from engineering to education. A single journal, the Journal of Medical Internet Research, was home to 36% of the studies. Sixty-two percent of these studies relied on quantitative methods, 55% on qualitative methods, and 17% were mixed-method studies. Seventy percent of studies used no specific theoretical framework; of those that did, Social Cognitive Theory appeared the most frequently, in 16 studies. Fifty-two studies identified problems with technology adoption, acceptance, or use, 38% of these barriers being machine-centered (for example, content or computer-based), and 62% user-centered, the most frequently mentioned being attitude and motivation toward technology. One hundred and twenty-six interventional studies investigated disparities or heterogeneity in treatment effects in specific populations. The most frequent disparity investigated was gender (13 studies), followed closely by race/ethnicity (11). Half the studies focused on a specific diagnosis, most commonly diabetes and cancer; 30% focused on a health behavior, usually information-seeking. Gaps were found in reporting of study design, with only 46% of studies reporting on specific methodological details. Missing details were response rates, since 59% of survey studies did not provide them; and participant retention rates, since 53% of interventional studies did not provide this information. Participant demographics were usually not reported beyond gender and age. Only 17% studies informed the reader of their theoretical basis, and only 4 studies focused on theory at the group, network, organizational or ecological levels—the majority being either health behavior or interpersonal theories. Finally, of the 131 studies describing the design of a new technology, 81% did not involve either patients or consumers in their design. In fact, while consumer and patient were necessarily core concepts in this literature, these terms were often used interchangeably. The research literature of consumer health informatics at present is scattered across research fields; only 49% of studies from these disciplines is indexed by MEDLINE and studies in computer science are siloed in a user interface that makes exploration of that literature difficult. CONCLUSIONS Few studies analyzed in this scoping review were based in theory, and very little was presented in this literature about the life context, motives for technology use, and personal characteristics of study participants.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Ben Charif ◽  
◽  
Karine V. Plourde ◽  
Sabrina Guay-Bélanger ◽  
Hervé Tchala Vignon Zomahoun ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The scale-up of evidence-based innovations is required to reduce waste and inequities in health and social services (HSS). However, it often tends to be a top-down process initiated by policy makers, and the values of the intended beneficiaries are forgotten. Involving multiple stakeholders including patients and the public in the scaling-up process is thus essential but highly complex. We propose to identify relevant strategies for meaningfully and equitably involving patients and the public in the science and practice of scaling up in HSS. Methods We will adapt our overall method from the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Following this, we will perform a two-prong study design (knowledge synthesis and Delphi study) grounded in an integrated knowledge translation approach. This approach involves extensive participation of a network of stakeholders interested in patient and public involvement (PPI) in scaling up and a multidisciplinary steering committee. We will conduct a systematic scoping review following the methodology recommended in the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers Manual. We will use the following eligibility criteria: (1) participants—any stakeholder involved in creating or testing a strategy for PPI; (2) intervention—any PPI strategy proposed for scaling-up initiatives; (3) comparator—no restriction; (4) outcomes: any process or outcome metrics related to PPI; and (5) setting—HSS. We will search electronic databases (e.g., Medline, Web of Science, Sociological Abstract) from inception onwards, hand search relevant websites, screen the reference lists of included records, and consult experts in the field. Two reviewers will independently select and extract eligible studies. We will summarize data quantitatively and qualitatively and report results using the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. We will conduct an online Delphi survey to achieve consensus on the relevant strategies for PPI in scaling-up initiatives in HSS. Participants will include stakeholders from low-, middle-, and high-income countries. We anticipate that three rounds will allow an acceptable degree of agreement on research priorities. Discussion Our findings will advance understanding of how to meaningfully and equitably involve patients and the public in scaling-up initiatives for sustainable HSS. Systematic review registration We registered this protocol with the Open Science Framework on August 19, 2020 (https://osf.io/zqpx7/).


Author(s):  
Won Ju Hwang ◽  
Ji Sun Ha ◽  
Mi Jeong Kim

Background: Scoping reviews of the literature on the development and application of mental health apps based on theoretical suggestions are lacking. This study systematically examines studies on the effects and results of mental health mobile apps for the general adult population. Methods: Following PICOs (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design), a general form of scoping review was adopted. From January 2010 to December 2019, we selected the effects of mental health-related apps and intervention programs provided by mobile to the general adult population over the age of 18. Additionally, evaluation of methodological quality was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklist. Results: Fourteen studies were analyzed of 1205 that were identified; duplicate and matching studies were excluded. One was a descriptive study and 13 were experimental, of which randomized control trials (RCTs) accounted for 71.4%. Four of the mobile apps were developed based on cognitive behavior theory, one based on stress theory, and one on ecological instant intervention theory. These apps included breathing training, meditation, and music therapy. Stress, depression, and anxiety decreased using these apps, and some were effective for well-being. Conclusion: With the rapid development of technology related to mental health, many mobile apps are developed, but apps based on theoretical knowledge and well-designed research are lacking. Further research and practices should be conducted to develop, test, and disseminate evidence-based mHealth for mental health promotion. RCT studies are needed to expand the application to mental health services to various populations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soheil Hashtarkhani ◽  
Hossein Tabatabaei-Jafari ◽  
Behzad Kiani ◽  
MaryAnne Furst ◽  
Luis Salvador-Carulla ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Geographical Information System (GIS) and spatial analysis have an emerging role in the understanding and management of health-related outcomes. However, there is a knowledge gap about the extent to which GIS has supported Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research. Therefore, this review aimed to explore the types of GIS applications and the complexity of their visualisation in MS research. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted based on York’s five-stage framework. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies published between 2000 and 2020 using a comprehensive search strategy based on the main concepts related to GIS and MS. Grounded, inductive analysis was conducted to organize studies into meaningful application areas. Further, we developed a tool to assess the visualisation complexity of the selected papers.Results: Of 3,723 identified unique citations, 42 papers met our inclusion criteria for the final review. One or more of the following types of GIS applications were reported by these studies: (a) thematic mapping (37 papers); (b) spatial cluster detection (16 papers); (c) risk factors detection (16 papers); and (d) health access and planning (two papers). In the majority of studies (88%), the score of visualisation complexity was relatively low: three or less from the range of zero to six. Conclusions: Although the number of studies using GIS techniques has dramatically increased in the last decade, the use of GIS in the areas of MS access and planning is still under-researched. Additionally, the capacity of GIS in visualising complex nature of MS care system is not yet fully investigated.


2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karine Fournier ◽  
Lindsey Sikora

Abstract Introduction – Librarians in academic institutions have been providing personalized services to the student population by offering individualized research consultations (IRC) for decades. These consultations usually consume many hours of librarians’ busy schedules, and yet the impact of these consultations is unknown. Therefore, it’s worth asking the question: what assessment methods have been used in academic libraries to evaluate the impact of IRC? Methods – A retrospective scoping review of the literature was performed using the following databases: Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA), Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), Library and Information Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Scopus, and Web of Science. Additionally, a manual search of the included papers reference lists was conducted to locate additional relevant papers. Articles that mentioned a format of evaluation or assessment and were based within a library setting were included. Articles that discussed group instruction that were not in a library setting, or that did not include any form of evaluation or assessment, were excluded. Results – Researchers located 578 articles and reviewed titles and abstracts. 523 titles were eliminated, while full text sources of the remaining 55 were examined to check inclusion and exclusion criteria. 20 articles remained for qualitative synthesis. Specific methods of assessment were reviewed and three overall assessment methods were identified: 1) usage statistics, 2) survey, and 3) objective quantitative methods. Conclusion – Many articles using a usage statistics method stated that they wanted to further their assessment of individual consultations. Several authors using a survey method described the value of the information gathered by surveying their users for improving their service, but also mentioned that this method is subjective in nature. They mentioned that objective assessment methods would provide a better understanding of the impact of IRCs. The few articles using objective quantitative methods obtained mixed results. Overall, more research in the assessment of IRCs is needed, particularly those with objective quantitative methods.


2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Samkange-Zeeb ◽  
H Singh ◽  
M Lakeberg ◽  
J Kolschen ◽  
B Schüz ◽  
...  

Abstract   Disadvantaged populations, including unemployed adults, often exhibit low levels of health literacy. Exploring subjectively perceived health literacy needs in these populations can serve as an entry point for participatory intervention development. We aimed to assess health literacy needs of unemployed adults by triangulating qualitative interviews data and a scoping review. Using a parallel approach, we combined results of an interview study with 10 participants of a job-reintegration program in Germany and a scoping review. The interviews, conducted in early 2021, focused on health topics of interest to the participants and their sources of health-related information. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. For the scoping review, we searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo and SCOPUS up to January 2021 for studies containing “unemployed” AND “health literacy” in titles/abstracts. Study selection and data extraction were done independently by two researchers. Nutrition and physical activity emerged as core themes during the interviews, with some participants referring to the importance of both for mental health. Doctors and the institution running the job-reintegration program were the sources of health-related information often mentioned. The Corona pandemic was reported to have limited physical activity and affected psycho-social well-being. Five out of 2696 studies were included in the review. Four focused on mental health literacy, the fifth assessed information seeking practices in unemployed adults. The qualitative analysis revealed that health literacy needs of unemployed adults go beyond mental health literacy. As nutrition and physical activity impact mental health, interventions targeting such topics might also improve mental health literacy in unemployed adults. Study findings will be discussed with unemployed persons and social workers in co-production workshops that aim to identify and prioritize health literacy needs for intervention development. Key messages Health literacy programs for unemployed adults should target nutrition and physical activity. Workforce re-integration programs play a pivotal role in improving health literacy of unemployed adults.


F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 2059
Author(s):  
Christian Appenzeller-Herzog ◽  
Steffen Hartleif ◽  
Julien Vionnet

Objective: This scoping review aims at systematically mapping reported prognostic factors for spontaneous immunosuppression (IS) free allograft tolerance (operational tolerance, OT) in non-viral hepatitis and non-autoimmune disease liver transplant (LT) recipients who are undergoing immunosuppression withdrawal (ISW). The results may inform the subsequent conduct of a systematic review with a more specific review question. Background: LT is currently the most effective treatment for end-stage liver diseases. Whereas the short-term outcomes after LT have dramatically improved over the last decades, the long-term outcomes remain unsatisfactory, mainly because of side effects of lifelong IS, such as infections, cardiovascular diseases, malignancies, and nephrotoxicity. ISW studies have shown that OT can be achieved by a subset of LT recipients and recent research has identified biomarkers of OT in these patients. However, an evidence-based selection algorithm for patients that can predictably benefit from ISW is not available to date. The planned review will, therefore, map existing knowledge on prognostic clinical parameters and biomarkers for OT. Inclusion criteria: We will consider studies that record any clinical parameter or biomarker before the initiation of ISW in paediatric or adult non-viral hepatitis and non-autoimmune disease LT recipients and analyse their possible association with ISW outcomes (OT or non-tolerance). Studies addressing the effectiveness of OT-inducing treatments will be excluded. Methods: Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library will be searched for relevant articles or conference abstracts. Full-texts of selected abstracts will be independently screened for inclusion by two reviewers. References and citing articles of included records will be screened for additional relevant records. Clinical trial registries will be searched for ongoing studies, and their investigators contacted for the sharing of unpublished data. Data from included records will be independently extracted by two reviewers using a prespecified data extraction table and presented in both tabular and narrative form.


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