EasySLR allows users to define and manage custom inclusion and exclusion reasons separately for the Title-Abstract (TiAb) and Full-Text (FT) screening stages. This helps maintain clarity and precision in the decision-making process at each stage of the systematic literature review.
Why Use Different Reasons for TiAb and FT?
Screening at the TiAb stage is typically broader and based on limited information, while FT screening allows for more specific and nuanced judgment. Using separate sets of reasons helps align with the depth of review at each stage and improves traceability and reporting.
Steps to Add Different Reasons for TiAb and FT Screening:
Step 1: Navigate to the Protocol
Go to the Protocol tab under Settings.
Step 2: Define Reasons in the ‘Hierarchy of Selection Criteria’
Scroll down to find the Hierarchy of Selection Criteria section.
Here, you can define the core inclusion and exclusion reasons that will guide the screening process.
You can add specific reasons under each protocol, such as:
Title-Abstract Protocol: "Exclude: Wrong Population"
Full-Text Protocol: "Exclude: Study Design not of Interest, Wrong Intervention, Outcomes not of Interest"
Step 3: Copy Reasons into the ‘Reasons’ Tab
Navigate to the Reasons tab (located next to the protocol section).
Copy-Paste or manually enter all the inclusion and exclusion reasons that will be used across both TiAb and FT stages.
After entering the reasons, select the appropriate checkboxes next to each reason.
Define whether each reason applies to:
This ensures the correct set of reasons appears during the corresponding screening stage.
Tips
Keep TiAb reasons broad to maximise sensitivity in initial screening.
Use FT reasons to capture more specific methodological or protocol-related exclusions.
If needed, reasons can be edited or expanded later in the review process.
Still need help?
Feel free to contact the EasySLR support team for assistance with setting up or managing custom screening reasons.