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Let's look at a clinical case scenario to demonstrate how to plan and perform a search for grey literature:

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. 

 

Step 1. Plan

Create a simple search strategy.

Example: (postoperative delirium or post-operative) AND (elderly or aged or senior) AND (prevention or reduction)
Step 2. Target

Define what type of grey literature would be relevant.

Example:

  • recent clinical guidelines
  • standards
  • new evidence-based interventions / clinical trials
Step 3. Search

Decide where you will search to find the relevant data:

Example:
Step 4. Evaluate

Evaluate using the AACODS checklist.
Step 5. Reference
  • Visit our Referencing Guide for more information on referencing grey literature formats.
  • Watch a past webinar recording ↓ on referencing evidence - standards, reports etc. 

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