Background: The implementation of a handsearching strategy is an invaluable complement to electronic searches when identifying references to controlled clinical trials (CCT). We have developed BADERI (Database of Iberoamerican Clinical Trials and Journals, by its initials in Spanish), a free, Internet-based database to co-ordinate handsearching activities across different countries and institutions.

Objectives: To present the main features of BADERI and discuss their applicability to facilitate and expedite handsearching activities. To present the early results of the implementation of BADERI.

Methods: Database development and descriptive analysis. Stakeholders involved in the handsearching process participated in brainstorming and discussion sessions to discuss the features and design of BADERI. The database was then pilot-tested and iteratively assessed and revised. Once finalised, BADERI was adopted for the completion of handsearching projects of CCTs in geriatrics, ophthalmology, gynaecology, dermatology and dentistry, among others, all conducted collaboratively by volunteers located remotely. The development of BADERI was partially funded by the 2014 Cochrane Discretionary Fund.

Results: BADERI can be accessed at www.baderi.com/login.php. It serves as a repository of handsearched journals and identified CCTs; this information can be directly uploaded to CENTRAL using a built-in feature that exports reports in ProCite format. BADERI also has an administration subsection to monitor the roles of volunteers and the progress of each handsearching study. Besides the ProCite reports, BADERI allows exporting spreadsheets that can be filtered per journal(s), country(ies), or medical specialty(ies). Currently, there are over 6000 references in BADERI, all of which have been submitted to CENTRAL.

Conclusions: ADERI has features that could prove useful to overcome the logistical challenges entailed in handsearching projects.