| Summary: | BACKGROUND: The Systematic Review Data Repository (SRDR) was launched in 2012 as a collaborative, Web-based platform for extracting data from studies included in systematic reviews. The vision was to create a free, open-access repository of extracted data which could reduce unnecessary duplication of effort and facilitate the efficient production of systematic reviews. OBJECTIVE: To promote the entry of structured data into SRDR to promote interoperability and use of systematic review data by end-users. METHODS: We completed two steps. First, we determined the sources of flat file data that were recently submitted by Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs) to SRDR. We conducted a survey of EPC Project Leads that had recently uploaded to SRDR data from a systematic review in a flat file. Second, we determined and pilot tested approaches for importing structured systematic review data. RESULTS: The survey was completed by nine of nine eligible EPC Project Leads (100%). In addition to information about usability of SRDR, the primary result was that MS Excel, MS Word and DistillerSR were the most used tools for extracting data and creating tables. An approach for importing MS Excel files into SRDR was refined and pilot tested. An approach was also developed and pilot tested to import files from DistillerSR into SRDR. Detailed instructions, with screenshots, were developed for both approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Improving the ability to search for and produce reviews that are interoperable for users requires production and storage of systematic review data in a structured format. The results from this work will promote interoperability and use of systematic data in SRDR.
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