Harbour 2014

Appraisal of: "Harbour J, Fraser C, Lefebvre C, Glanville J, Beale S, Boachie C, Duffy S, McCool R, Smith L, Varley D. Reporting methodological search filter performance comparisons: a literature review. Health Info Libr J. 2014;31(3):176-194."

Reviewer(s):
Julie Glanville
Kath Wright

Full Reference:
Harbour J, Fraser C, Lefebvre C, Glanville J, Beale S, Boachie C, Duffy S, McCool R, Smith L, Varley D. Reporting methodological search filter performance comparisons: a literature review. Health Info Libr J. 2014;31(3):176-194

Short description:

This review examined what performance measures are reported in studies describing the design and development of methodological search filters. In addition, the presentation of results in these studies and the reliability of the methods used were investigated. The results showed that sensitivity and precision are the most frequently reported measures and these measures are usually reported in tables. However, performance measures can be difficult to interpret and alternative graphical approaches that would help information specialists in making decisions about which filter to select would be valuable.

Limitations stated by the author(s):

The study is not a full systematic review, reviewing all filters for all methodological types.

Limitations stated by the reviewer(s):

The majority of the search filters included had been designed for the MEDLINE database.

Study Type:

Review

Related Chapters:

Search filters

Tags:

• Search filters