Finding evidence for comparing medical interventions: AHRQ and the Effective Health Care Program

Abstract

Objective: This article discusses search methodology to identify evidence for comparative effectiveness reviews (CERs) as practiced by the Effective Health Care program.

Study design and setting: Review.

Results: Search methods described attempt to overcome the bias inherent in the publication and distribution of clinical evidence. Bibliographic databases and search strategies are discussed with special emphasis on searching for observational studies and harms data. Other techniques described include the use of key articles, citation tracking, hand searching, and personal communications. Strategies for locating gray literature, such as clinical trial protocols and regulatory information, are described. Search reporting and other practical matters are also discussed.

Conclusion: Better reporting and further research on search strategies is needed to develop additional evidence-based recommendations.