How do I set up a reproducible update check for a living evidence brief?

Set up a reproducible update check by saving the search with its dates and filters, recording each run date and result count, and comparing new hits against the prior brief's included studies in a written update log.

1. Freeze the search definition. Write the strategy as a saved search that records the databases, field tags, phrase terms, filters, and date limits. PubMed supports field tags, phrase searching, filters, and saved searches for locating and refining biomedical records. Cochrane's searching guidance covers planning searches, selecting sources, developing strategies, and documenting searches. Store the exact strategy text alongside the brief so a later run uses the same inputs.
2. Record the run date and result counts. Log the date each search runs and the number of records returned, both before and after screening. Cochrane guidance includes documenting searches and managing records; PRISMA 2020 provides flow diagrams for reporting what studies were found and included. These counts let a reader see whether a change in the brief reflects new evidence or a changed search.
3. Compare new hits against the prior included set. Take the records from the new run and check each against the studies already included in the previous brief. Mark each new record as already included, newly eligible, or excluded, and note the reason. This keeps the comparison anchored to the prior brief's included studies.
4. Write the update log. For each update, record the run date, the search as run, the result counts, the new records screened, and the decision for each. State what changed in the brief and why: a new eligible study, a reclassification, or no change. PRISMA 2020's checklist supports transparent reporting of methods and of what was found and included, which gives the log a consistent structure.
5. Reuse the log at the next update. Start the next check from the saved search and the last log entry, so the new run continues the same record rather than restarting. A reader can then trace each version of the brief back to a dated search and a set of screening decisions.