|
Search Methods
|
|
We conduct a systematized search in PubMed each month to identify all literature
related to EMS interventions. We include any primary research or formal systematic review on interventions that are currently
practiced, or show promise for practice, in a contemporary EMS setting. These settings include ground, helicopter EMS and expanded
scope paramedicine. Included studies must investigate outcomes that inform clinical decision-making therefore purely
epidemiological reports or monetary investigations are not included.
Details on our inclusion and exclusion criteria
|
|
Our search strategy has been developed with the help of a Health Sciences Librarian. This strategy has been developed
to be sensitive to our inclusion criteria.
|
|
See detailed search below:
|
|
((("Emergency Medical Services"[mh] OR "Emergency Medical Technicians"[mh] OR paramedic*[tiab] OR "emergency medical
technician*"[tiab] OR prehospital[tiab] OR pre-hospital[tiab] OR "out of hospital"[tiab] OR first responder*[tiab] OR
emergency responder*[tiab] OR ambulance[tiab]))) AND (((randomized controlled trial[pt] OR controlled clinical trial[pt]
OR randomized[tiab] OR placebo[tiab] OR "Clinical Trials as Topic"[mesh: noexp] OR randomly[tiab] OR trial[ti]) OR
("Epidemiologic Studies"[mesh: noexp] OR "Case-Control Studies"[mh] OR "Cohort Studies"[mh] OR case control[tw] OR
case series[tw] OR case report*[tw] OR case study[tw] OR case studies[tw] OR cohort study[tw] OR cohort studies[tw]
OR cohort analy*[tw] OR follow up study[tw] OR follow up studies[tw] OR observational study[tw] OR observational
studies[tw] OR longitudinal[tw] OR retrospective[tw] OR cross sectional[tw] OR "Cross-Sectional Studies"[mh]) OR
(systematic[sb])) NOT (editorial[pt] OR guideline[pt] OR letter[pt] OR news[pt] OR newspaper article[pt] OR
(animals[mh] NOT humans[mh]))) AND (20xx/xx:20xx/xx [dp])
|
|
Once annually, targeted searches are run for some unique intervention areas where the majority of the literature may not be indexed
with EMS/emergency terms. (e.g. perinatal, neonatal, EENT or palliative care).
|
|
Our PubMed results are screened in Covidence review software at the title/abstract level. After which,
the full texts are briefly reviewed for inclusion and intervention assignment by the program coordinator. The remaining
literature is distributed to the international appraisal team for review.
|
|
The Dalhousie University Division of EMS would like to acknowledge health science librarians Katie McLean, Leah Boulos and Robin
Parker for their assistance in developing our searches strategies.
|
References:
Covidence systematic review software, Veritas Health Innovation, Melbourne, Australia. Available at
www.covidence.org
|