Desk review as a methodological approach for identifying policies and gray literature: A case study

Background: Desk reviews are widely used in health policy research, yet standardized procedures are lacking. This becomes particularly problematic when working with regulatory and professional documents that are not indexed in academic databases, making access and analysis fragmented. Purpose: The paper aims to propose a structured approach to conducting a desk review. Methods: A case study is presented. Discussion: Drawing on a three-step method—comprising an initial broad search, a targeted exploration of institutional sources, and an iterative selection and refinement process—the study offers a replicable framework to ensure rigor, transparency, and adaptability. The approach is illustrated through its application to the regulatory landscape of midwifery care in Italy, using the International Confederation of Midwives' Professional Framework as a reference for thematic analysis. Conclusion: By outlining the methodology in detail, the paper contributes to strengthening desk review practices in health policy research and offers practical guidance for researchers working with gray literature and fragmented policy sources.