Deduplication sequence
- Combine all database exports in a reference manager or review tool.
- Identify exact DOI matches.
- Compare normalised titles, authors, years, and journals.
- Inspect probable matches manually, including conference and journal versions.
- Retain the record with the most complete metadata.
- Record the number removed for the PRISMA flow diagram.
Do not confuse
Different reports from the same study are not always duplicates. Link related reports and decide which evidence each contributes.
Quality check
- DOI and title matching were both used.
- Probable matches received manual review.
- No unique study was deleted accidentally.
- Counts before and after deduplication reconcile.