EasySLR now includes the Advanced Query Builder for PubMed, designed to help researchers create structured, transparent, and reproducible search strategies using a full-featured query interface. The tool replaces the basic PICOS editor with a more flexible system that enables real-time query construction, result validation, and structured documentation of search development.

^Overview

The Advanced Query Builder helps systematic reviewers develop and refine search strategies for PubMed using a structured interface inspired by the PubMed advanced search experience.

The tool allows users to build queries using the PICOS framework, preview query logic instantly, retrieve live result counts, and track multiple search iterations. This ensures the search development process remains traceable, reproducible, and audit-ready.

^{Key Capabilities}

Structured PICOS-Based Query Building

Organize search terms using the PICOS framework, including:

• Population

• Intervention

• Comparison

• Outcome

• Study Design

Reviewers can add terms under each category and construct queries using Boolean operators.

To add a term:

• Select the search field (e.g., Title/Abstract)

• Enter the search term

• Choose a Boolean operator (AND / OR)

• Click Add

The system automatically generates the structured query logic.

Real-Time Query Preview

The generated PubMed query appears instantly in the Query Box, allowing reviewers to:

• Edit the query manually

• Combine search lines

• Reference previous search steps (e.g., #1, #2)

• Adjust Boolean operators

This provides full flexibility while maintaining structured query development.

Live Result Count

The Count option retrieves the live number of results directly from PubMed.

This helps reviewers:

• Estimate screening workload

• Adjust search scope

• Refine Boolean logic

• Identify overly broad or restrictive queries

Run the Query in PubMed

The Open option allows users to run the generated query directly in PubMed.

This enables reviewers to:

• Validate results externally

• Export citations

• Confirm search behavior within PubMed.

Built-In Search Filters

The Filters Panel helps refine search results before finalizing the strategy.

Available filter options include:

• Publication Date (1 year, 5 years, 10 years, or custom range)

• Text Availability (Abstract, Free Full Text, Full Text)

• Article Type

• Article Attributes

Filters are organized into collapsible groups for easier navigation.

Reviewers should apply filters carefully to avoid unintended exclusions that may reduce recall.

Search History Tracking

Each time a query is executed, EasySLR automatically stores:

• Query string

• Result count

• Recall (when applicable)

• Timestamp

Key details:

• Up to 20 search iterations are stored

• Search history persists across sessions

• Data is stored securely within background job metadata

This enables reviewers to:

• Compare multiple search strategies

• Track improvements in recall

• Maintain documentation for audit and reporting.

Background Job Detail Panel

The job detail section is collapsible, allowing users to:

• Reduce interface clutter

• Focus on query results

• Review search performance more easily.

^{Best Practices}

To get the best results when using the Advanced Query Builder:

• Compare multiple search iterations before finalizing

• Check live result counts after modifying Boolean logic

• Broaden terms if recall appears too low

• Apply filters cautiously

• Run the query in PubMed for external verification

• Document the final query and result count in your protocol.

^Benefits

The Advanced Query Builder helps teams:

• Improve search transparency

• Strengthen methodological reproducibility

• Track search evolution automatically

• Reduce manual documentation effort

• Create protocol-ready search documentation

This feature ensures that PubMed search development within EasySLR remains structured, traceable, and methodologically rigorous.