Making literature reviews more ethical: a researcher and health sciences librarian collaborative process

BACKGROUND: With emphasis on evidence-based medical care, ‘evidence’ is often the result of literature reviews. Hence, the critical question, “are literature reviews comprehensive?” AIM: This study compares the literature generated by a researcher and a health sciences librarian (HSL). METHODS: The Research Associate and the HSL conducted a parallel, segregated literature search on ‘patient-centered care’. RESULTS: The Research Associate identified 215 manuscripts, and the HSL 129 manuscripts. Overlap was only 55 manuscripts. Differences in process and blind spots are discussed. CONCLUSION: To improve the quality of research outcomes, it seems prudent and ethical to have a synergistic collaboration between researchers and HSLs. Given that this is just one case study that has looked into the issue, further research is strongly encouraged.