Review 03 Search String

Purpose

Generate transparent, database-specific search strings that can be copied into each database and audited later.

Required Inputs

• question_lock.md.
• Date range, language restrictions, article types, and required databases.
• Whether the review is systematic or narrative.

Output

Create 02_search_strategy/search_strategy.md with:

• Concept blocks and synonyms.
• PubMed search string with MeSH and Title/Abstract terms when appropriate.
• Web of Science Topic search.
• Embase Emtree strategy if Embase is available.
• Cochrane strategy for intervention reviews.
• Search notes for Chinese databases if needed.
• Pilot-search adjustment log.

Completion Gate

Pass only when every search string has database name, date prepared, fields, Boolean logic, and planned filters.

Stop Rules

Do not silently add restrictive filters that could bias the search. Mark optional filters separately.