Weightage Identified Network of Keywords Technique: A Structured Approach in Identifying Keywords for Systematic Reviews

Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop the weightage identified network of keywords (WINK) technique for selecting and utilizing keywords to perform systematic reviews more efficiently. This technique aims to improve the thoroughness and precision of evidence synthesis by employing a more rigorous approach to keyword selection. Methods: The WINK methodology involves generating network visualization charts to analyze the interconnections among keywords within a specific domain. This process integrates both computational analysis and subject expert insights to enhance the accuracy and relevance of the findings. In the example considered, the networking strength between the contexts of environmental pollutants with endocrine function as Q1 and systemic health with oral health-related terms as Q2 was examined, and keywords with limited networking strength were excluded. Utilizing the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms identified from the WINK technique, a search string was built and compared to an initial search with fewer keywords. Results: The application of the WINK technique in building the search string yielded 69.81% and 26.23% more articles for Q1 and Q2, respectively, compared to conventional approaches. This significant increase demonstrates the technique's effectiveness in identifying relevant studies and ensuring comprehensive evidence synthesis. Conclusions: By prioritizing keywords with higher weightage and utilizing network visualization charts, the WINK technique ensures comprehensive evidence synthesis and enhances accuracy in systematic reviews. Its effectiveness in identifying relevant studies marks a significant advancement in systematic review methodology, offering a more robust and efficient approach to keyword selection.