Information retrieval for health technology assessment: standardization of search methods.

In the theme section on information retrieval for health technology assessment (HTA), we are pleased to present a series of high-quality articles. The articles address various approaches to HTA searching and information management. Information retrieval and management is an integral part of the HTA review process. Those conducting searches must, therefore, understand the nature of the different domains of HTA, know what kind of information is needed for each domain, and know how to find it. These articles describe developments in HTA searching and other information-related activities. Andrew Booth discusses a critical topic every searcher must deal with: How much searching is enough? Julie Glanville addresses methods for identifying economic evaluations, and Sigrid Droste writes about searching for ethicsrelated information. Suzy Paisley describes the use of evidence in decision-analytic models of cost-effectiveness. Christina Niederstadt focuses on the documentation and reporting of the information retrieval process for health technology assessments and how to optimize HTA common practices. Lorea Galnares-Cordero presents results of a study on the information needs of Spanish HTA units and agencies. In the final article, Alison Booth describes recent enhancements to the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) databases.