Systematic literature search, review and dissemination methodology for the COVID-19 pandemic

Charles Reynard, Daniel Darbyshire, Gabrielle Prager, Anisa Jafar, Mina Peter Naguib, Govind Oliver, Patricia Van Den Berg, Rick Body, Harriet Ambroziak, Simon Carley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose of the study: SARS-CoV-2 has caused healthcare systems globally to reorganise. A pandemic paradox emerged; while clinicians were desperate for information on a new disease, they had less time to find and evaluate the vast volume of publications at times of significant strain on healthcare systems. A multidisciplinary team undertook a weekly literature search capturing all COVID-19 publications. We also monitored free open access medical education (FOAMed) sources for emerging themes. Title and abstract screening pooled the most relevant papers for emergency medicine. Three summary types were created, a â Top 5 Flash Update', a journal club and a rapid response to emerging FOAMed themes. From these summaries, three modes of dissemination were used: short written summaries, blogs and podcasts. These were amplified through social media. Study design: A retrospective review was conducted assessing the impact of this knowledge dissemination strategy for the period of March to September 2020. Results: In total, 64 687 papers were identified and screened. Of the papers included in the â Top 5', 28.3% were on epidemiology, 23.6% treatment, 16.7% diagnostics, 12% prognosis, 8.7% pathophysiology with the remaining 10.7% consisting of PPE, public health, well-being and â other'. We published 37 blogs, 17 podcasts and 18 Top 5 Flash Updates. The blogs were read 138 343 times, the Top 5 Flash Updates 68 610 times and the podcasts had 72 501 listens. Conclusion: A combination of traditional academic and novel social media approaches can address the pandemic paradox clinicians are facing.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)524-527
JournalBMJ Simulation & Technology Enhanced Learning
Volume7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Jun 2021

Keywords

  • emergency medicine
  • knowledge transfer
  • medical education

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