Literature search protocols
The Literature Search Protocols aim to help NHS researchers in Thames Valley carry out more effective literature searches.They were developed by the Thames Valley Health Libraries Network for the Thames Valley R&D community in response to concerns regarding the quality of literature searches submitted in support of NHS research proposals - there was a perceived need for some minimum standards for researchers carrying out literature searches, that would then be incorporated into the project approval process.
The protocols aim to help researchers identify key sources of information, plan and carry out an effective search and to document the search process. The protocols took over a year to develop with input from a great many stakeholders. A link to the protocols will also appear on the National Library for Health's Knowledge Management Specialist Library.
http://www.tvsha.nhs.uk/libraries/useful-documents.html
Many other subject areas are now investigating the use of these protocols when undertaking their literature searches.