A systematic review attempts to collate all empirical evidence that fits pre-specified eligibility criteria in order to answer a specific research question.The key characteristics of a systematic review are:
Grindlay D. Karantana A. Putting the ‘systematic’ into searching – tips and resources for search strategies in systematic reviews. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) 2018;43(6):674–8.
Librarians can help by conducting searches. Please fill out this Systematic Review request.
Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions
Institute of Medicine Standards for Systematic Reviews
PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)
Methods Guide for Effectiveness and Comparative Effectiveness Reviews (AHRQ)
Systematic Reviews: CRD's Guidance for Undertaking Reviews in Health Care
Month Activity
1 – 2 Preparation of protocol
3 – 8 Searches for published/unpublished studies
2 – 3 Pilot test of eligibility criteria
3 – 8 Inclusion assessments
3 Pilot test of ‘Risk of bias’ assessment
3 – 10 Validity assessments
3 Pilot test of data collection
3 – 10 Data collection
3 – 10 Data entry
5 – 11 Follow up of missing information
8 – 10 Analysis
1 – 11 Preparation of review report
12 – Keeping the review up-to-date
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.
Carpenter Library | Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center | Contact Us