Record each database, search date, the full search strategy, and the number of records retrieved as you search, then report those methods and the studies found and included using the PRISMA 2020 checklist and flow diagram. The Cochrane Handbook treats documenting searches as part of the searching and selecting process, and PRISMA 2020 provides the checklist and flow diagrams for transparent reporting of methods and included studies.
Build the search record as you go
- Plan the search and list the sources you will search, including databases and reference-list or other-source searching, so the methods section can name each source. The Cochrane Handbook covers planning searches, selecting sources, and searching reference lists and other sources.
- Develop and save the full strategy for each source, including field tags, phrases, and filters where the database supports them. PubMed supports field tags, phrase searching, filters, Advanced Search, and saved searches; Europe PMC supports keyword and fielded searches across literature, grants, preprints, citations, references, and full-text links.
- Log the date of each search and the number of records it returned, so the flow diagram can account for records identified and the methods section can state when searches ran.
- Manage the records through selection so you can report how many studies were found and included.
Map the record to PRISMA 2020
PRISMA 2020 reports why the review was done, what methods were used, and what studies were found and included. Your search log supplies the methods detail: sources, dates, full strategies, and record counts. The flow diagram then carries the counts from identification through to included studies, and the checklist prompts the reporting items.
Keep the record usable
Store the full strategy text and counts together with each source and date, so a reader can see what was run and when. When a count or strategy is missing from your notes, return to the saved search or database record and fill it in before drafting the methods section.