Search Strategy: Factors associated with diagnostic delay in kidney cancer: A systematic review of observational studies

Description This dataset contains comprehensive search strategies developed for a systematic review examining factors associated with diagnostic delay in kidney cancer. The search strategies were designed following established systematic review methodology and PRISMA guidelines to ensure comprehensive evidence identification across multiple databases. Contents This upload includes detailed search strategies for three major bibliographic databases: MEDLINE Search Strategy (Ovid MEDLINE(R) ALL 1946 to November 14, 2025) EMBASE Search Strategy (Embase 1974 to 2025 November 13) Scopus Search Strategy (Scopus database) Each search strategy document provides: Complete search strings with result counts Detailed rationale for search term selection PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome) framework organization Database-specific adaptations and methodological considerations Progressive application of limits and filters Methodology The search strategies employ a systematic PEO framework: Population (P): Adults diagnosed with kidney cancer (any histological subtype) Exposure (E): Clinical, sociodemographic, and healthcare system factors influencing diagnostic timing Outcome (O): Measures of diagnostic delay including patient delay, primary care delay, and total diagnostic intervals Database-Specific Approaches: MEDLINE: Controlled vocabulary (MeSH terms) combined with comprehensive free-text searching EMBASE: Emtree controlled vocabulary with database-specific term adaptations Scopus: Keyword-based approach optimized for multidisciplinary coverage using proximity operators Search Results Summary MEDLINE: 1,265 records after limits applied EMBASE: 441 unique records after deduplication from MEDLINE Scopus: 1,538 records after limits applied Total: Approximately 3,244 records before cross-database deduplication Quality Assurance All search strategies were developed following systematic review best practices: No language restrictions applied Human studies filter applied Peer-reviewed publications only (journal articles, reviews, meta-analyses) Database inception to present coverage (as of November 2025) EMBASE deduplicated against MEDLINE to ensure unique contributions Intended Use These search strategies are provided as supplemental material to support: Systematic review transparency and reproducibility Method replication for future updates Adaptation for related research questions Educational purposes in systematic review methodology Related Protocol These search strategies were developed as part of a PROSPERO-registered systematic review protocol examining factors associated with diagnostic delay in kidney cancer (protocol in development). Citation When using these search strategies, please cite both this dataset and any resulting systematic review publication. Keywords