A search filter is a ready-made search strategy designed to limit search results to a set of references with specific characteristics. Filters are usually combined with a topic by using ‘AND’, in order to restrict the search to a smaller, more relevant set of results. Other Boolean operators ‘OR’ and ‘NOT’ may be used. For example a randomized controlled trials filter should retrieve only those studies that are RCTs. Several versions of a filter may exist depending on how exhaustive or precise they aim to be. Well-designed filters will retrieve all relevant studies while reducing the amount of literature that needs to be screened by reviewers.
How to cite: Search Filter [online]. (2016). York; York Health Economics Consortium; 2016. https://yhec.co.uk/glossary/search-filter/