A systematic review (SR) is a comprehensive, team-based research process that captures all currently available, empirical evidence from the literature fitting specified criteria in order to answer a focused research question. Systematic Reviews are considered to be among the highest levels of evidence in evidence-based practice. Identifying research studies for systematic reviews involves the use of multiple databases and other searching methods, such as hand searching, searching grey literature, and other sources.
Because SRs utilize explicit, systematic methods, when performed properly, full SRs take an average of 18 months to complete, minimize bias, provide reliable and often actionable findings, and bolster decision-making for clinicians.
Before beginning a systematic review, researchers perform tasks such as formulating a research question, drafting and registering a protocol where decisions are made about how studies will be assessed for quality, tools that will be utilized, and what data will be extracted, and determining the inclusion/exclusion criteria (i.e. what types of articles/studies will be included for comparisons and data extraction).
This guide provides a basic overview of the steps researchers typically take in performing a systematic review, but it is important to note that the process is not always 100% linear.
There are a number of research projects that assist in synthesis and interpretation of evidence, so Systematic Reviews are not the only option!
Not all research questions are appropriate for a systematic review. Additionally, if researchers face limitations including time constraints or not having enough team members to perform a full systematic review, other options for additional research studies that still provide a fairly comprehensive understanding of the current evidence around a research question include:
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