OP26 Search Approaches In Information Retrieval Presented In HTAi SuRe Info

Abstract

Introduction

It is a challenge to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in information retrieval for health technology assessment (HTA). Summarized Research in Information Retrieval for HTA (SuRe Info) is a well-established open-access website with a selection of up-to-date key papers presented in summarized overviews. SuRe Info is maintained by the HTAi Interest Sub-Group on Information Resources; its main target group are information specialists. SuRe Info is updated twice a year by experienced information specialists. Publications on information retrieval methods are identified by running topic-specific search strategies in relevant databases. Publications fulfilling the SuRe Info inclusion criteria receive a structured abstract together with a brief critical appraisal prepared by one SuRe Info information specialist and checked by another. The key messages from the appraisals are summarized in topic-specific chapters.

Methods

The structure and work of SuRe Info is presented on the basis of the chapter “Value of using different search approaches”.

Results

The chapter “Value of using different search approaches” was last updated in September 2018. It examines various alternative search approaches in bibliographic databases beyond the conventional Boolean search. According to this chapter, the most well-known approach, offering the most evidence, is citation searching (direct or indirect citation relationships). In contrast, little research has so far been conducted on other approaches such as full-text searches, automated retrieval methods or hand searching.

Conclusions

SuRe Info is an important resource for information specialists to keep up-to-date with the literature on information retrieval. In particular when information specialists work alone and not within a larger team, it is necessary to rely on collaboration projects such as SuRe Info.