Abstract
Background
As input for decision-making, documentation of effects of health care is asked for from both the clinical, administrative, and political levels of the health care system. A systematic literature review aims to provide an overview of a specific, well-defined health care issue. Developing a systematic literature review is a time consuming process, which may conflict with quick decision-making, and with financial or political considerations, which require a short time frame.
A range of institutions and professions are involved in developing systematic reviews – among them librarians. But often librarians are involved in searching the literature only, and they are not an integrated part of the project itself.
More knowledge and extended use of existing and ongoing reviews, as well as more knowledge and extended use of existing searching and appraisal methods, can help shortening the time frame of the project. Librarians can play an important part in these issues.
A Danish initiative towards coordination of searching and appraisal methods for systematic literature reviews will be presented.
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