3.3 Step 3: Search strategy/define your search terms/phrases.
An important characteristic of SLR is replicability. However, formulating search strategies to be used for SLRs, finding the best balance between sensitivity and specificity, and translating search strategies between databases is challenging (Bramer, de Jonge, Rethlefsen, Mast, & Kleijnen, 2018). It takes thorough preparation, including scoping reviews to understand the extent of scope and relevant concepts to derive research questions and ultimately, search strategies that captures every part of the research question. To achieve replicability, there is the need for consistency in search strategy that must be exhaustive and efficient. Overarchingly, search strategy is influenced by a clear and concise research question around which phrases/key words are derived to be used for searching through relevant databases. It is important the search phrases/words, which are usually key concepts addresses various aspects of the research question. It is critical that the same key concepts/phrases are used throughout the search across all search databases and search engines. The search activity needs to be well documented including where the search in taking place, the keywords used for search, the output/out in terms of number of initial studies to be included.