Systematic Review

Systematic review Systematic reviews seek to collate evidence that fits pre-specified eligibility criteria in order to answer a specific research question. They aim to minimize bias by using explicit, systematic methods documented in advance with a protocol. Cochrane Handbook. https://training.cochrane.org/handbook/current/chapter-i

Systematic Review is the identification, selection, appraisal, and summary of primary studies that address a focused clinical question using methods to reduce the likelihood of bias.     -- JAMAevidence Glossary 

Key characteristics of a systematic review:

• a clearly stated set of objectives with pre-defined eligibility criteria for studies;
• an explicit, reproducible methodology;
• a systematic search that attempts to identify all studies that would meet the eligibility criteria;
• an assessment of the validity of the findings of the included studies, for example through the assessment of risk of bias; and
• a systematic presentation, and synthesis, of the characteristics and findings of the included studies

https://handbook-5-1.cochrane.org/chapter_1/1_2_2_what_is_a_systematic_review.htm

Systematic Review is a Team Work  --  Systematic Reviews are often a team effort. Important areas of expertise to cover are:

• Content experts - It is important to have team members or an active consultant to provide expertise in the area covered by the review. Input is usually needed from practitioners and researchers representing a variety of perspectives.
• Statistician - If meta-analysis is to be considered, access to a statistician with experience in meta-analysis is needed.
• Medical librarian - Database searching requires specialized knowledge that general research training does not provide. Preferably, the librarian searcher has experience with the extensive searching and documentation procedures that are a part of a systematic review.