3.3 Step 3: Search strategy/define your search terms/phrases.
An important characteristic of SLR is replicability. However,
formulating search strategies to be used for SLRs, finding the best
balance between sensitivity and specificity, and translating search
strategies between databases is challenging (Bramer, de Jonge,
Rethlefsen, Mast, & Kleijnen, 2018). It takes thorough preparation,
including scoping reviews to understand the extent of scope and relevant
concepts to derive research questions and ultimately, search strategies
that captures every part of the research question. To achieve
replicability, there is the need for consistency in search strategy that
must be exhaustive and efficient. Overarchingly, search strategy is
influenced by a clear and concise research question around which
phrases/key words are derived to be used for searching through relevant
databases. It is important the search phrases/words, which are usually
key concepts addresses various aspects of the research question. It is
critical that the same key concepts/phrases are used throughout the
search across all search databases and search engines. The search
activity needs to be well documented including where the search in
taking place, the keywords used for search, the output/out in terms of
number of initial studies to be included.