Use of the bibliographic reference manager in the selection of primary studies in integrative reviews

Abstract

Objective: present the use of the bibliographic reference manager EndNote® as a support tool in the construction of a database and the selection of primary studies to develop integrative reviews. Method: a reflection study was undertaken, based on the international and the Brazilian literature. Results: the elaboration of an integrative review permits summarizing the knowledge about the theme of interest delimited in the health area, which can contribute by providing recommendations based on research results for clinical practice, as well as by identifying knowledge gaps, driving future research development. The use of bibliographic reference management tools is important for the selection of primary studies, permitting the location of repeated references, identification of languages, selection of publication periods and the creation of citations in the elaboration of the scientific text, among other resources. Conclusion: the advance in technologies, particularly the software EndNote®, has provided resources for the practicability of knowledge synthesis methods, in a transparent and replicable manner, consequently entailing a better quality of this type of study.