Systematic Literature Search

Systematic Literature Researches (SLRs) are a key component of evidence-based medicine and form the basis for the preparation of benefit dossiers and the identification of appropriate comparator therapies. We conduct SLRs on your behalf, based on your specific research question and the requirements of HTA authorities. We are happy to provide you with the results as part of the dossier preparation or in a report. We can also produce a publication, e.g. a systematic review, at your request.

Bibliographic Search

Systematic searching of bibliographic databases is an indispensable tool in HTA procedures. The aim of bibliographic research is the systematic identification of, for example:

  • Studies relevant to the assessment in the therapeutic area or for an active substance
  • Publications on prevalence and incidence (epidemiology) in the therapeutic area
  • Guidelines in the therapeutic area, including those for determining the appropriate comparator therapy
  • Validation studies on surrogate parameters
  • Confounders

We would be happy to conduct a systematic search in bibliographic databases tailored to your specific research questions.

Study registries

Systematic searches of study registries complement systematic bibliographic searches to provide an overview of completed and ongoing studies in a particular clinical area or for a specific active substance.

Confounding factor analysis

Indirect treatment comparisons of two or more treatment groups without a bridging comparator pose significant challenges, as it cannot be assumed per se that the treatment groups are structurally equivalent. This necessitates rigorous adjustment for potential confounding factors (so-called confounders) that could distort the treatment outcome and is required by HTA authorities.
We offer a comprehensive confounder search, comprising a systematic search of bibliographic databases and a subsequent qualitative analysis of the identified literature. At your request, we will also conduct expert interviews to identify and confirm the identified confounders.

PICO identification

The identification of the research question plays a central role in both national and European HTA processes. This is based on the PICO framework:

  • Population (P)
  • Intervention (I)
  • Comparator (C)
  • Endpoints (O)

We can carry out SLRs on your behalf to identify the relevant PICOs, in order to provide you with the best possible support in study planning or in the preparation of HTA procedures.