Background: This study aims to investigate the quality of the literature search and workload saving using the semi-automatic software for citation screening in the development of the Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock (J-SSCG). Methods: We will conduct a prospective study to compare the efficiency of citation screening between the conventional method using Rayyan and semi-automatic citation screening using ASReview. The two independent reviewers will conduct literature searches for clinical questions. During the session, we objectively measure the time to accomplish the citation screening. After the citation screening, we will calculate the sensitivity and specificity from the results of the conventional and semi-automatic procedures. Also, we will compare the accumulated time between the two methods.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm

This study did not receive any funding.

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All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors.