Handsearching involves the page-by-page examination of relevant journal issues, conference proceedings and other publications for relevant studies. In addition, the checking of reference lists of journal articles and other documents retrieved from a search.
Why is handsearching important?
- Locates relevant items poorly indexed or not indexed at all. Some databases do not comprehensively index all content in journal issues, or may not index all supplements, special issues, or conference abstracts.
- Allows researchers to scan content quickly for relevant studies from high-impact journals.
- Ensures that relevant studies are not overlooked.