FAQ Indexing of Documents in the LILACS Methodology
The process involves synthesizing, describing, and representing the content of a health-related document by assigning controlled vocabulary descriptors from DeCS/MeSH, following the rules and guidelines of the LILACS indexing manual.
LILACS document indexing represents the content, facilitates understanding of the topic, and aids in retrieving documents registered in databases that adopt the LILACS Methodology.
The number of primary, secondary, pre-coded descriptors, and types of publication varies depending on the content of the document.
According to LILACS methodology, the maximum limits are set as follows:
- Primary descriptors: 6
- Secondary descriptors: 20
- Pre-coded descriptors: As many as necessary to describe the subject or historical period
- Types of publication: Generally one, and rarely more than 3 descriptors
This number of descriptors often applies to the indexing of articles with clinical research results, as LILACS methodology emphasizes specificity as one of the fundamental principles of its indexing process.
Documents with broader content coverage, such as books, clinical practice guidelines, and reviews, or those with shorter length such as editorials, typically have fewer descriptors applied. However, it is important to note that it is rare for a document to have only one primary descriptor.
Yes.
Editorials, biographies, review articles, clinical practice guidelines, books, and chapters that cover topics broadly are indexed with less depth.
Articles presenting clinical research results such as clinical trials, systematic reviews, case reports, health technology assessment studies, economic evaluations, and others are indexed more deeply, applying more descriptors and always performing coordinations.
