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Systematic Review

Are you considering developing a systematic review on a topic, but unsure where to start? This guide will help you to get started.

What is Systematic Review?

Key characteristics of a systematic review:

  • A clearly defined question
  • 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

 

Please note that Systematic Reviews are very time intensive.  

Methodology Guidance

Cochrane, JBI   encourage you to work with a librarian

 We can point you to the right databases and identify terms, document, de-duplicate and more

Use this form to get started.

Systematic Review Team

Systematic Review is a Team Work  --  

  • 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. Usually you will want at least 3 people - 2 reviewers, and one tie-breaker.
  • 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.