What is a Systematic Review?
A systematic review “attempts to collate all empirical evidence that fits pre-specified eligibility criteria in order to answer a specific research question. It uses explicit, systematic methods that are selected with a view to minimizing bias, thus providing more reliable findings from which conclusions can be drawn and decisions made.” *
Features of a Systematic Review
- Begins with a focused answerable clinical question (PICO framework)
- Establishes pre-specified, explicit, and reproducible eligibility criteria
- Uses comprehensive, exhaustive and reproducible literature searches in multiple sources
- Employs comprehensive analysis of quality and validity of findings
- Reports collective interpretation of results
- Typically requires 18 - 24 months to complete
- Typically needs a team of 3 or more experts
Cochrane Reviews are Systematic Reviews that summarize evidence of effects of medical interventions. Cochrane reviews are guided by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and are considered to be the gold standard for Systematic Reviews.
Things to consider
Is it Feasible?
- Is the question appropriate for a systematic review?
- What is the scope of the review?
- What related reviews are already published?
- How many citations do you expect to find?
Do have the necessary components?
TREAD
- TIME
- RESOURCES
- EXPERTISE
- AUDIENCE
- DATA
source: Both, Su'on and Papaioannou 2016
There are many types of reviews of literature in addition to systematic reviews. Consider an alternative if:
- You do not have a focused research question (PICOT)
- Your time is limited - Systematic reviews generally take between 12 and 18 months to complete
- You lack the manpower to complete a systematic review - typically 4 to 5 individuals contribute to a systematic review
- Your topic is more exploratory in nature
Systematic Reviews in Social Sciences
- Campbell CollaborationCampbell publishes high-quality, transparent and policy-relevant evidence syntheses and maps on social science topics. We promote positive social and economic change by enabling evidence-based policy and practice. Our vision is “Better evidence for a better world”.
- EPPI-CentreThe EPPI-Centre is a specialist centre for: (i) developing methods for systematic reviewing and synthesis of research evidence; and (ii) developing methods for the study of the use research.
Systematic Reviews in Public Health
- EPPI-CentreThe Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre (EPPI-Centre) conducts systematic reviews in the fields of Education, Health Promotion and Public Health, as well as social welfare and international development.
- Guidelines for Systematic Reviews of Health Promotion and Public Health InterventionsThese guidelines were developed for the purpose of advising and supporting systematic reviews of health promotion and public health interventions within the Cochrane Collaboration.
- NHS Centre for Reivews and Dissemination (UK)Guidance from the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD), a world renowned institute that produces policy relevant research and innovative methods that advance the use of research evidence to improve population health.
- Schema for Evaluation Evidence on Public Health InterventionsLucie Rychetnik and Michael Frommer of the University of Sydney. A guide to appraising evidence through the collection and evaluation of research papers and reports.