Conducting a systematic review involves a thorough and structured approach to identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing existing research on a specific topic. Here is a general step-by-step guide on how to conduct a systematic review:
| 1. Define the research question: Clearly articulate the research question or objective of the review. This will guide the entire process more... |
| 2. Develop inclusion and exclusion criteria: Determine specific criteria for selecting studies, including the type of studies, population, interventions or exposures, outcomes, and any other relevant factors more... |
| 3. Search strategy: Develop a comprehensive search strategy to identify relevant studies. This typically involves searching electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, or Web of Science, as well as additional sources like grey literature, conference proceedings, and reference lists of relevant articles more... |
| 4. Study selection: Independently screen and evaluate the identified studies based on the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This usually involves multiple reviewers, and any disagreements are resolved through discussion or a third-party arbiter more... |
| 5. Data extraction: Extract relevant data from the selected studies using a standardized form. This includes information on study design, participants, interventions or exposures, outcomes, and other pertinent data more... |
| 6. Quality assessment: Assess the quality and risk of bias of the included studies. This step typically involves evaluating the study design, methodology, sample size, data collection, and potential sources of bias more... |
| 7. Data synthesis: Analyze and synthesize the extracted data, which can be done qualitatively (narrative synthesis) or quantitatively (meta-analysis) if appropriate and feasible. A meta-analysis combines data from multiple studies to estimate an overall effect size more... |
| 8. Interpretation and reporting: Interpret the findings of the review, considering the strengths, limitations, and implications of the included studies. Clearly report the methods, results, and conclusions following the preferred reporting guidelines for systematic reviews, such as PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and more... |
| 9. Peer review and publication: Consider submitting your systematic review for peer review and publication in a reputable journal to ensure the quality and validity of the work more... |
It's important to note that conducting a systematic review requires significant time, expertise, and attention to detail. It can be helpful to involve experienced researchers or seek guidance from experts in the field to ensure a robust and rigorous review process.
| Purpose: A systematic review aims to answer a specific research question through a detailed synthesis of evidence, often with a focus on quantitative data and meta-analysis if applicable. |
| Methodology: Systematic reviews follow a predefined and systematic process that includes a comprehensive search, inclusion and exclusion criteria, quality assessment, data extraction, and data synthesis. They often adhere to a specific set of guidelines (e.g., PRISMA) to ensure transparency and rigor. |
| Scope: Systematic reviews typically focus on a narrow research question, addressing specific interventions, outcomes, or population groups. They aim for a comprehensive and exhaustive analysis of a specific research area. |
| Data synthesis: Systematic reviews often involve quantitative data synthesis through meta-analysis, combining data from multiple studies to generate summary effect estimates. |
| Reporting: Systematic reviews typically adhere to specific reporting guidelines, such as PRISMA, ensuring consistent and transparent reporting of the review process and findings. |
In summary, systematic reviews aim to provide a precise answer to a specific research question using a rigorous methodology.
| Systematic reviews aim to minimize bias by following a predetermined, transparent, and replicable process. |
| They require a rigorous and comprehensive search strategy to identify all relevant studies, minimizing the risk of publication and selection bias. |
| Critical appraisal and quality assessment of the included studies is essential to evaluate the strength and limitations of the evidence base. |
| A meta-analysis, when feasible, can provide a quantitative summary of the effect sizes and increase statistical power. |
| Protocols for systematic reviews are encouraged to be registered and published in advance to ensure transparency and minimize the risk of selective reporting. |
Example research question for a systematic review:
What is the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders in adults?
The systematic review question aims to assess the effectiveness of a specific intervention
A narrative literature review can also be used as part of a systematic review. While systematic reviews often aim to incorporate quantitative data synthesis (meta-analysis) if feasible, there are cases where a meta-analysis may not be possible due to heterogeneity or limited data availability. In such situations, a narrative synthesis is employed to summarize the findings qualitatively and provide an overview of the evidence.
Video: Definition and use of ‘narrative synthesis’
Video: Writing an Effective Narrative Review