| Methods |
Journals were handsearched cover‐to‐cover. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched (1996 and updated in 1999) for the years 1988‐1994. The title and abstract of reports identified were assessed by 2 people. If it was unclear if it was a controlled trial (CT) the whole article was obtained. |
| Data |
Specialized journals in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and low back pain (1988, 1994). |
| Comparisons |
Handsearch vs MEDLINE using the Cochrane HSSS and EMBASE using a comparable search. |
| Outcomes |
A total of 259 CTs were identified; 259 CTs were identified by HS, 188 CTs were identified by MEDLINE and 220 CTs were identified by EMBASE. |
| Notes |
Of those CTs found only by HS, 12 CTs were inadequately indexed, the journal issue was not indexed for 3 CTs and the relevant journal year was not indexed for 1 CT. |
