Search strategy
In accordance with stages one and two of Arksey and O’Malley’s
methodology, we used a broad search strategy guided by the aid of an
information specialist (PP). We identified keywords and created a search
string (Appendix S1). Two researchers (LIH and JS) worked independently
searching the databases and then screened records by title/abstract and,
finally, full texts articles were read. In the event of disagreement on
inclusion of an article, it was discussed until consensus could be
reached. Four databases were searched covering 1989-2000: PubMed,
Medline, Embase and Cochrane.
Inclusion/exclusion criteria
The search covered articles from 1 January 1989 up to 15 January 2020
and was limited to literature published in English. Our review only
included studies that analysed assessment tools in live gynaecologic
surgery.