Systematic Reviews

A systematic review protocol is a detailed plan that outlines the rationale, objectives, and methodology of the review before any data collection begins. Its primary purpose is to promote transparency, reduce bias, and ensure consistency throughout the review process. A typical protocol includes the research question (often structured using frameworks like PICO), eligibility criteria, databases to be searched, search strategies, data extraction methods, risk of bias assessment, and plans for data synthesis. For systematic reviews, protocols are commonly registered in PROSPERO.

Protocols for scoping reviews differ slightly, as they focus more on mapping the breadth of evidence rather than synthesizing specific outcomes. These protocols often emphasize the rationale for the scope, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and how data will be charted. Scoping review protocols are not eligible for PROSPERO but can be registered in platforms like the Open Science Framework (OSF) or published in journals such as BMJ Open or JBI Evidence Synthesis.

While protocols are strongly recommended for all evidence synthesis types to enhance transparency and reproducibility, they are not always required—especially for narrative or integrative reviews. However, developing a protocol is considered best practice and is increasingly expected by journals and funding bodies.

List of Protocol Registries

PROSPERO – Systematic Reviews

• Purpose: International database for prospectively registering systematic reviews with health-related outcomes.
• Use: Primarily for systematic reviews of interventions, but also accepts reviews of diagnostic test accuracy, epidemiological studies, and more.
• Note: Does not accept scoping reviews.
• Link: Register a protocol on PROSPERO
• Citation:
  Joanna Briggs Institute. (2024). The decision tree: A guide to selecting the appropriate review type. JBI. PDF
  Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. (n.d.). PROSPERO: International prospective register of systematic reviews. University of York. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ [crd.york.ac.uk]

Open Science Framework (OSF) – Scoping Reviews, Qualitative Reviews, and More

• Purpose: A flexible platform for registering a wide range of research projects, including scoping reviews, qualitative syntheses, and meta-analyses.
• Use: Offers multiple templates for different review types and disciplines.
• Note: Accepts both preregistration and post-completion registrations.
• Link: Start a registration on OSF
• Citation:
  Center for Open Science. (n.d.). Open Science Framework (OSF) Registries. https://osf.io/ [help.osf.io]

BMJ Open – Publication of Protocols

• Purpose: Peer-reviewed journal that publishes protocols for systematic, scoping, and other types of reviews.
• Use: Suitable for teams seeking formal publication of their protocol.
• Note: Protocols must undergo peer review and meet journal standards.
• Link: BMJ Open Author Guidelines
• Citation:
  BMJ Open. (n.d.). Author guidelines and protocol submission. https://bmjopen.bmj.com/pages/authors [bmjopen.bmj.com]