3.1. Literature search

Peer-reviewed literature searches were conducted to obtain published literature for this review. All search strategies were developed by an Information Specialist with input from the project team. The following bibliographic databases were searched through the Ovid interface: MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Embase, and BIOSIS Previews. Parallel searches were run in PubMed and The Cochrane Library (Issue 8, 2010). The search strategy comprised controlled vocabulary, such as the National Library of Medicine’s MeSH (Medical Subject Headings), and keywords. Methodological filters were applied to limit the retrieval to health technology assessments, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, economic studies, and guidelines. See Appendix 1 for detailed search strategies.

The search was restricted to English language clinical articles that were published between January 1, 2005 and August 24, 2010. Regular alerts were established on MEDLINE, Embase, and BIOSIS, and the information that was retrieved through alerts was current to October 4, 2010.

Grey literature (literature that is not commercially published) was identified by searching the websites of health technology assessment and related agencies, professional associations, and other specialized databases. Google and other Internet search engines were used to search for additional information. These searches were supplemented by handsearching the bibliographies and abstracts of key papers, and through contacts with appropriate experts and agencies.

Rapid reviews are organized so that the higher quality evidence is presented first. Therefore, health technology assessment reports, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses are presented first. These are followed by randomized controlled trials, economic evaluations, and evidence-based guidelines.

3.2. Article selection

Two independent reviewers (BM and MC) screened the titles and abstracts of the retrieved publications and independently evaluated the full-text publications for final article selection. Health technology assessments, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion if they involved adults who were 60 years or older, compared benzodiazepine use with non-benzodiazepine use (with or without a placebo) or with antidepressants, and reported outcomes related to patient safety or clinical effectiveness. Studies involving healthy volunteers were excluded. Evidence-based recommendations and clinical practice guidelines were included if they provided recommendations or guidance about the use of benzodiazepines by older adults. Appendix 2 details the eligibility criteria.

This report was peer-reviewed by clinical experts.