Table 2 Performance of search terms and filters designed for retrieving systematic reviews in EMBASE
From: An optimal search filter for retrieving systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Search filter | Sensitivity* | Specificity** | Precision | Number needed to read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
health-evidence.ca | ||||
health-evidence.ca SR search filter | 87.9 (80.3, 92.8) | 98.2 (98.2, 98.2) | 0.5 (0.5, 0.6) | 186.0 (176.0, 208.9) |
Wilcynski and Haynes (2007) | ||||
Sensitive query | 96.3 (90.8, 98.5) | 72.3 (72.3, 72.3) | 0 (0, 0) | 2709.5 (2622.5, 2945.2) |
‘Small drop in specificity, substantive gain in sensitivity’ query | 75.7 (66.7, 82.8) | 99.3 (99.3, 99.3) | 1.1 (1, 1.2) | 88.2 (80.5, 100.1) |
Best optimization query | 96.3 (90.8, 98.5) | 85.5 (85.5, 85.5) | 0.1 (0.1, 0.1) | 1403.4 (1363.4, 1502.0) |
Specific query | 63.4 (28.0, 45.9) | 99.5 (99.5, 99.5) | 0.9 (0.7, 1.1) | 117.8 (93.4, 154.2) |
BMJ Clinical Evidence filter | 84.1 (76.0, 89.8) | 98.5 (98.5, 98.5) | 0.6 (0.5, 0.6) | 167.9 (157.0, 186.1) |
Centre for Reviews and Dissemination filter | 66.4 (57.0, 74.6) | 97.6 (97.6, 97.6) | 0.3 (0.3, 0.3) | 341.0 (302.0, 400.0) |
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network filter | 81.3 (72.9, 87.6) | 99.0 (99.0, 99.0) | 0.8 (0.8, 0.8) | 118.6 (110.1, 132.5) |