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Grey literature refers to materials and research outputs not formally published or distributed by commercial publishers. These documents are typically produced by organisations such as governments, academic institutions, or nonprofits and can include a variety of formats.

Why is it important to search grey literature?

Searching, and including grey literature in your research can:

  • Reduce publication bias, particularly in systematic reviews.
  • Provide more current information and raw data.
  • Provide information on groups underrepresented in traditionally published literature.

How to search grey literature

To search grey literature systematically, clarify your goals and focus on:

  1. Keywords: Use simple, relevant search terms and synonyms based on your research question.
  2. Information Type: Identify the type of information you need (e.g., statistics, policies, public health data).
  3. Relevant Publications: Determine which sources suit your research, such as government reports or clinical data.
  4. Search Limits: Define scope, such as geographic focus (e.g., Australian or international) and time frame.
  5. Identify Sources: Choose a targeted source that meets your information needs.
Example
The nursing team on a surgical ward is reviewing the latest clinical guidelines and interventions for reducing the risk of postoperative delirium in elderly patients. They look for recent clinical guidelines in the TRIP database to keep their search relevant. 

Recommended resources:

Searching for grey literature involves using diverse methods, including browsing search engines, medical and government databases, industry websites, and hand-searching relevant materials. Key tips include:

  1. Where to Search: Utilise search engines (e.g., Google, DuckDuckGo), government websites, industry associations, trial registries, and specialised databases.
  2. Search Strategy: Use simple keywords, explore multiple search engines, and apply Google shortcuts (e.g., site:.gov.au, filetype:pdf, intitle:, after:, before:).
  3. Record-Keeping: Track your search terms, sources, and key results for transparency and future reference, especially if publishing research.
  4. Save Results: Save relevant results and note significant sections using tools like Word templates for better organisation.

Combine methods to ensure a comprehensive search.

Recommended resources:

  • 2D Search
    • An online tool designed to quickly search across various websites or when your search terms involve multiple synonyms and concepts.
  • Search results template
Critical appraisal is the systematic evaluation of research evidence to assess its validity, reliability, and relevance in a specific context. It involves analysing the methodology, results, and conclusions of a study to determine its strengths, weaknesses, potential biases, and applicability to practice or policy.

 

Why is it important?

Critically appraising grey literature is important because:

  • Grey literature is not always peer-reviewed. Critical appraisal helps assess its reliability.
  • Many grey literature sources are produced by organisations with specific interests which may introduce bias. 
  • Some grey literature, such as preprints or technical reports, may present incomplete research or findings that have not yet undergone full scrutiny. 

How to critically appraise grey literature

  1. Use the AACODS checklist
Examples
Studies that have used AACODS:
Maniago, J.D., et al. (2022). Implementation Science of Paediatric Palliative Care in Lower-Middle-Income Countries in Southeast Asia: An Integrative Review. Indian journal of palliative care, 28(1), 80–87. 
Gharib, A.M., et al. (2023). Potential Barriers to the Implementation of Computer-Based Simulation in Pharmacy Education: A Systematic Review. Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland), 11(3), 86. 

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