Making Literature Reviews More Ethical: a Researcher and Health Sciences Librarian Collaborative Process

Abstract

Background:With emphasis on evidence-based medical care, ‘evidence’ is often the result of literature reviews. Hence, the critical question, “are literature reviews comprehensive?”Aim:This study compares the literature generated by a researcher and a health sciences librarian (HSL).Methods:The Research Associate and the HSL conducted a parallel, segregated literature search on ‘patient-centered care’.Results:The Research Associate identified 215 manuscripts, and the HSL 129 manuscripts. Overlap was only 55 manuscripts. Differences in process and blind spots are discussed.Conclusion:To improve the quality of research outcomes, it seems prudent and ethical to have a synergistic collaboration between researchers and HSLs. Given that this is just one case study that has looked into the issue, further research is strongly encouraged.

Welcome to volume 2 of Future Science OA

“…'s case report demonstrating a need for more collaboration to ensure literature reviews are comprehensive [9], a new generic model to help the development of applications for clinical decision-making created by Tibor van Rooij and colleagues [10], an examination of the potential uses of the STAT3 pathway in genitourinary tumors [11], and, finally, a research article examining the potential of extracellular embryo genomic DNA for genotyping applications [12]. This content is merely a snapshot of our excellent articles, and once again we thank all of our authors for their efforts throughout the year.…”