Making literature reviews more ethical: a researcher and health sciences librarian collaborative process

Bejoy Thomas; Admasu Tachble; Delshani Peiris; Rebecca Malhi; Glenys Godlovitch; Yongtao Lin

doi:10.4155/fso.15.78

Making literature reviews more ethical: a researcher and health sciences librarian collaborative process

Future Sci OA. 2015 Nov 1;1(4):FSO78. doi: 10.4155/fso.15.78. eCollection 2015 Nov.

Authors

Bejoy Thomas¹, Admasu Tachble², Delshani Peiris², Rebecca Malhi², Glenys Godlovitch³, Yongtao Lin⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychosocial & Rehabilitation Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, CancerContol Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, T2S 3CI, Canada; Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada; Department of Psychosocial & Rehabilitation Oncology, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, CancerContol Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, T2S 3CI, Canada; Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
² Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada; Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
³ Alberta Cancer Research Ethics Committee, CancerContol Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada; Alberta Cancer Research Ethics Committee, CancerContol Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
⁴ Knowledge Resource Service, Knowledge Management Department, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada; Knowledge Resource Service, Knowledge Management Department, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.

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.

Keywords: collaboration; ethics; evidence-based practice; health sciences librarian; literature search; malignant neoplasm; systematic reviews.

Publication types

Case Reports