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.”
Source:
Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 [updated March 2011]. The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011. Available from www.cochrane-handbook.org., Section 1.2.2
A Systematic Review is:
- comprehensive review and analysis of literature related to a focused question
- uses specific criteria for inclusion
- reports search strategy and methods for inclusion/exclusion
- inclusive studies address the same issue, in similar populations, in similar circumstances
Cochrane Evidence Essentials - Systematic Reviews
- Module 3: Introduction to Systematic Reviews45 min. First time users will need to create a Cochrane account for access (free).
- Module 4: Understanding and Using Systematic Reviews45 min. First time users will need to create a Cochrane account for access (free).
Books about Conducting Systematic Reviews
Mixed methods design in evaluation by Call Number: eBook - SAGE Research Methods OnlineISBN: 9781544364889Publication Date: 2017
Mixed Methods and Systematic Reviews: Examples and Emerging Issues by Call Number: eBook - SAGE Research Methods OnlinePublication Date: 2010
Update of Existing Review
When and how to update systematic reviews: consensus and checklist (BMJ)
Update Searches:
In performing an update, a search based on the search conducted for the original review is required. The updated search strategy will need to take into account changes in the review question or inclusion criteria, for example, and might be further adjusted based on knowledge of running the original search strategy. The search strategy for an update need not replicate the original search strategy, but could be refined, for example, based on an analysis of the yield of the original search. These new search approaches are currently undergoing formal empirical evaluation, but they may well provide much more efficient search strategies in the future. Some examples of these possible new methods for review updates are described in web appendix 2.
In reporting the search process for the update, investigators must ensure transparency for any previous versions and the current update, and use an adapted flow diagram based on PRISMA reporting (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses).57 The search processes and strategies for the update must be adequately reported such that they could be replicated.