Getting started
Learn the steps of a review, from finding records and screening papers to extracting data.
How a review runs
A review typically starts with a search for relevant records. You then screen the abstracts, screen the full texts of the included papers, and extract the data you need. You can also use each of these tools independently.
- Finding records: Search Assist writes search strings for the databases you use, and Discovery searches papers, patents and trademarks from inside Abstractus.
- Abstract screening: upload your search results and enter your criteria. Each abstract receives an inclusion or exclusion decision with a reason.
- Full-text screening: upload PDFs for screening, or select Start Full Text from your abstract screening results.
- Data extraction: describe the information you need from each paper. Abstractus creates a data table and a report, with each extracted value linked to its supporting quote.
Starting a screening
In the workspace, open New Task and choose a screening type. Abstract and full-text screening follow three steps:
- Upload
- Criteria
- Review
Data extraction starts with your PDFs and a description of what to extract. Its setup then follows Documents, Form, Pilot and Full run.
| Type | What you upload | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Abstract Screening | Reference files: CSV, RIS, NBIB, BibTeX and more | 1 credit per abstract |
| Full-Text Screening | Up to 1,000 PDFs, 10,000 pages per run | 2 credits per page |
| Data Extraction | Up to 80 PDFs, 1,000 pages per run | 4 credits per page |
The price is shown before you submit, and every job has a 50-credit minimum. You're notified when results are ready.
Where results appear
Your Dashboard shows each job and its progress. Open a completed job to view the results. Abstract screening results open on the Breakdown tab.