What is a Cochrane systematic review?
For your course, you may be asked to find Cochrane systematic reviews. A systematic review is a type of academic article that reviews the evidence on a clearly formulated question. The article uses systematic and explicit methods to identify, select and critically appraise relevant primary research. It then extracts and analyzes data from the studies that are included in the review.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) is a leading journal and database for systematic reviews in healthcare.
Accessing Cochrane systematic reviews
Daemen Library does not have a subscription to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. However, there is a way to access a substantial number of these reviews through the PubMed database. All reviews published by Cochrane since September 2016 should be available on PubMed twelve months after their initial publication. Let's take a look at how to access these.
1. Do an Advanced PubMed search
From the PubMed home page, select 'Advanced' just under search box.
2. Add your subject to the search
Enter a search term for your subject then select 'Add.' Your subject will appear in the 'Query' box. In this case, we will look for systematic reviews of treatments for thoracic trauma. Accordingly, "thoracic trauma" is the first search term.
3. Add the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to your search
To search for only Cochrane systematic reviews, select 'All Fields.'
From the drop down menu select 'Journal.' Begin typing in 'Cochrane' in the search box and you will see "The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" as an auto-fill suggestion. Click on that text, then select 'Search.' Pubmed will now search for you subject only within the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
4. Select Results with the Free PMC Article Tag
If there are any systematic reviews in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews that contain your search terms, they will be listed as results. You will be able to access full-text results in Cochrane tagged 'Free PMC Article.'
To view the article, click on the article then click on the 'PMC Full Text' icon on the right side of the record.
If you continue to have difficulty finding a systematic review, you can try adjusting the scope of your subject or ask a librarian for assistance.
