Systematic and Other Reviews: Screening

Screening

Once you have searched the databases suitable for your Systematic Review, exported them to a referencing manager and removed duplicates you are ready to start the screening process. 

There are two stages of screening: 

1. Screen by Title and Abstract 

2. Screen by full text 

Exporting from EndNote to Covidence

After deduplication, remaining papers are screened for suitability at the abstract level. To facilitate this, researchers often export their results to screening software like Covidence or Rayyan.

To export from EndNote to Covidence follow these steps:

• Highlight the references you wish to export from your EndNote library. If you want to select all of them, be sure to select all in your EndNote library before exporting.
• Click on File > Export
• Select your file type and export style. You can export to RIS or XML
• To export to RIS: select "Text only" under "Save file as type" and "RefMan (RIS) Export" under "Output Style"
• To export to XML: select "XML" under "save file as type" and then select your choice of output style. 
• Click Save

Watch the video below to learn more about importing citations into Covidence from EndNote:

Tools for screening 

Screening software can help facilitate the screening process. There are many out there, and they provide a user-friendly interface to conduct your screening and record your screening decisions, along with your collaborator. 

Although emerging GenAI tools are available for screening, current international guidelines and bodies urge caution in this space until a consensus is reached regarding responsible use of AI in Systematic Reviews. Key concerns include preserving trust, accuracy, validation and integrity in the process. Any GenAI usage must be disclosed and detailed in the methodologies section, in accordance with publisher or journal policy.