Validation of semi-automatic citation screening software for creating clinical practice guidelines

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the quality of the literature search and workload saving using the semi-automatic software for citation screening in the development of the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock (J-SSCG). MethodsWe will conduct a prospective study to compare the efficiency of citation screening between the conventional method using Rayyan and semi-automatic citation screening using ASReview. The two independent reviewers will conduct literature searches for clinical questions. During the session, we objectively measure the time to accomplish the citation screening. After the citation screening, we will calculate the sensitivity and specificity from the results of the conventional and semi-automatic procedures. Also, we will compare the accumulated time between the two methods. Trial registrationThis research is submitted with the University hospital medical information network clinical trial registry (UMIN-CTR) [UMIN000049366]. Conflicts of interestAll authors declare no conflicts of interest to have. FundingNone