Systematic literature search, review and dissemination methodology for the COVID-19 pandemic. (8th June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reynard, Charles; Darbyshire, Daniel; Prager, Gabrielle; Jafar, Anisa Jabeen Nasir; Naguib, Mina; Oliver, Govind; van den Berg, Patricia; Body, Richard; Ambroziak, Harriet; Carley, Simon
• Is Part Of: BMJ simulation & technology enhanced learning. Volume 7:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 524
• Page End: 527
• Publication Date: 2021-06-08
• Subjects: medical education -- knowledge transfer -- emergency medicine; Medicine -- Simulation methods -- Periodicals; Medical innovations -- Periodicals; 610.113
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjstel-2020-000817
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-6697

Abstract

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 '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 '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 '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.