Supplementary databases increased literature search coverage beyond PubMed and Embase

• Published in: Journal of clinical epidemiology Vol. 181; p. 111704
• Main Authors: Frandsen, Tove Faber, Moos, Caroline, Marino, Cecilia Isabella Linnemann Herrera, Eriksen, Mette Brandt
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.05.2025; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Bibliographic databases; Case studies; Database coverage; Databases, Bibliographic - statistics & numerical data; Databases, Factual - statistics & numerical data; Embase; Grey literature; Health sciences; Humans; Information retrieval; Information Storage and Retrieval - methods; Information Storage and Retrieval - statistics & numerical data; Internal Medicine; Literature reviews; Public health; PubMed; PubMed - statistics & numerical data; Search engines; Search methods; Systematic literature searching; Systematic reviews; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Database coverage; Embase; Systematic reviews; Systematic literature searching; Information retrieval; Bibliographic databases; PubMed
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2025.111704
• ISSN: 0895-4356; 1878-5921

In health sciences, comprehensive literature searches are crucial for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of systematic reviews. Relying on only a few databases can lead to the omission of relevant studies. The variability in database coverage for different specialties means that important literature might be missed if searches are not broadened. Supplementary databases can enhance the thoroughness of literature reviews, but the efficiency and necessity of these additional searches remain subject to debate. This study aims to explore methods for retrieving publications not indexed in PubMed and Embase, examining coverage of various specialties to determine the most effective search strategies for systematic reviews. We selected reviews from the following Cochrane review groups: public health, incontinence, hepato-biliary, and stroke groups. All reviews published in these groups between 2017 and 2022 were analyzed. Publications included in these reviews were manually searched for in PubMed and Embase. If the publication was not found, additional databases such as Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The mean coverage of publications in PubMed and Embase across all four speciality groups was 71.5%, with individual group coverage ranging from 64.5% to 75.9%. An average of 5.8% of publications could not be retrieved in any of the databases studied. Additional databases varied in their coverage. While PubMed and Embase provide substantial coverage, supplementary databases can increase retrieval of more relevant studies and are essential for a comprehensive literature search. •Databases beyond PubMed and Embase should be included in comprehensive literature searches.•Database coverage varies significantly among review groups.•Supplementary databases enhance the thoroughness of literature searches.•Diverse methodologies, including grey literature and trial protocols, are needed.