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YHEC Training Event: 'Search Filters'

YHEC Training Event: 'Getting The Best Out Of Search Filters'

University of York, 11 November 2009 

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As the volume of published research grows it is becoming more challenging to identify effciently studies performed according to specific methods. Many search filters to find specific study designs such as randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or diagnostic test accuaracy studies, or research issues such as adverse events, are being designed and published. Increasingly, these filters are being incorporated into database search interfaces, such as the PubMed Clinical Queries. As the number of filters grows, the challenge of choosing between them is becoming more apparent. Information professionals and others wishing ti use search filters need to be aware of issues of filter design, quality and suitability to be able to make informed choices about which filters to select and apply.

This training event will explore how to identify, critically appraise and test out search filters, focusing on health and social care.

The training day presenters will be Julie Glanville and Carol Lefebvre.

Julie Glanville is Project Director, Information Services, York Health Economics Consortium, University of York. Carol Lefebvre is the Senior Information Specialist at the UK Cochrane Centre. Julie and Carol are long-term collaborators who have developed and published search filters to identify RCTs and systematic reviews. They are also involved with the development of the InterTASC Information Specialists' (ISSG) search filter website and the ISSG search filter critical appraisal tool.

By the end of the study day, participants will have:

  • An awareness of how to identify published search filters;
  • An understanding of the features of search filter design to be able to critically appraise search filters;
  • An awareness of the key issues to be considered in assessing the suitability of search filtesr for specific questions;
  • An understanding of the challenges of translating search filters between interfaces and databases.
Who should attend?


This study day would be of interest to librarians, Information Specialists, other information professionals and researchers seeking more insight into the usefulness of search filters. Whilst the focus of the day will be search filters in health and social care, many of the key principles of search filter evaluation are generalisable to other fields.

Study Day Overview

0945: Welcome and introduction to the day

1000: What are search filters? Background and brief history (presentation)

1030: Where can we find filters and how can we keep up to date? (presentation)

1045: Critically appraising search filters (presentation)

- Exploring the key design issues that impact on the quality and usability of search filters

- Using search filter quality checklists

1130: Coffee

1145: Exercise: critically appraising a search filter using a search filter quality checklist

1245: Discussion

1300: Lunch

1345: Translating filters for other interfaces and databases (presentation)

1415: Practical session: translating and testing a filter

1500: Coffee

1515: Exercise: deciding which filter to use

- Working in groups to choose which filter might be most suitable in a specific context

1615: Discussion

1630: Close

Location

The study day on 11 November will be held at the University of York.

Registration Fees

Registration: £195 (plus £29.25 VAT)

The registration fee includes tea and coffee, lunch and course documentation.

To book a place please click here.

To view our cancellation and indemnity policy please click here.

For more information please contact Julie Glanville or Jen Kruger (email: jmg1@york.ac.uk or jk512@york.ac.uk, telephone: 01904 433621.)