This study evaluated the search methodology of recent systematic reviews of economic evaluations. A sample of 42 reviews identified through a MEDLINE search was analyzed. The analysis included: databases searched (general & specialist), health technology assessment sources searched, and supplementary search techniques used. The search approaches used in the systematic reviews were compared to two current recommendations: 1) the minimum search resources from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) economic search requirements for single technology appraisals; 2) the resources recommended in the costs and economic evaluation chapter of SuRe Info. A majority (55%) of the reviews did not meet either the NICE or SuRe Info recommendations. The data collection was hindered by lack of clarity and errors in search methodology reporting within the systematic reviews. It is likely that current recommendations on searching for economic evaluations will change due to the recent closure of two specialized databases (NHS EED & HEED). 

This study examined the search methods of recent systematic reviews (SRs) of economic evaluations (EEs) to evaluate whether the sources searched to identify studies reflected current recommendations. A pragmatic search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE to identify English SRs of EEs published since January 2013. For reviews that met inclusion criteria, two reviewers extracted data on: which general medical and specialised economic databases were searched, the HTA sources searched, and any additional sources or search techniques employed. Results were compared against NICE's economic search requirements for single technology appraisals and the resources recommended in the costs and economic evaluation chapter of SuRe Info.  42 reviews were selected for inclusion. 5 of these reviews searched all of the resources required for NICE submissions, while 9 searched at least 4 of the 6 resource types recommended by SuRe Info. None of the studies searched all 6 types of the search resources recommended by SuRe Info. These results suggest that the majority of SRs of EEs do not meet the current recommendations for identifying economic evidence.