Systematic reviews
A systematic review is a tightly structured literature review which aims to analyse and appraise all and synthesise all evidence available on a particular question or topic to arrive at a considered judgement or set of conclusions.
Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit, systematic methods documented in advance with a protocol to minimise bias and arrive at a balanced conclusion.
A systematic review can take several months to a couple of years to complete and often require collaboration between a group of people. Originally developed for medical related fields to support evidence-based practice, systematic reviews are increasingly being undertaken in other fields such as environmental science, business, and social science.
This video on systematic reviews from Cochrane explains why they are important and how they are done.
Are you doing a systematic review or a systematic search?
For many undergraduate assignments, dissertation, or theses, you will be required to provide an overview of the literature on a research topic. While this requires a comprehensive and structured search of the literature, you will not be required to adhere to the strict methodology of a systematic review.
Watch our video on systematic searching to find out more.
Which type of review is appropriate for your purposes?
When planning your evidence review, it is important to choose a methodology that matches the purpose of the review.
This academic article provides an extensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of different review types.
Also see the "Right Review" tool to assist you in identifying which type of evidence synthesis would be appropriate for your research question.
Guidance and protocols for conducting systematic reviews
Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions
This handbook contains methodological guidance for the preparation and maintenance of Cochrane Reviews on the effects of healthcare interventions.
Writing a Campbell Collaboration Systematic Review
This webpage provides guidance on writing a Campbell review on the effects of social interventions.
Cochrane-Campbell Handbook for Qualitative Evidence Synthesis
This handbook describes the steps involved in preparing and maintaining systematic reviews of qualitative evidence for Cochrane and Campbell reviews. It guidance is applicable to all systematic reviews of qualitative evidence.
Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewer's Manual
This manual provides guidance on different types of systematic reviews and scoping reviews aimed at supporting the translation of healthcare research into practice.
The Collaboration for Environmental Evidence (CEE): Guidelines and Standards for Evidence Synthesis in Environmental Management
This website provides guidance on conducting a CEE Evidence Synthesis
Recommendations for the conduct of systematic reviews in toxicology and environmental health research (COSTER)
COSTER provides a set of recommendations on the production of systematic reviews in environmental health and toxicology.
Collaborative Approach to Meta Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies (CAMARADES) tools and resources
CAMARADES provides tools and resources for producing systematic review and meta-analysis of data from experimental animal studies.
Non-Interventional, Reproducible, and Open (NIRO) Systematic Review guidelines
The NIRO guidelines provided guidance on undertaking a systematic review in the area of non-interventional research.
PRISMA
PRISMA is an evidence-based minimum set of items for reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. PRISMA focuses on the reporting of reviews evaluating randomized trials but can also be used as a basis for reporting systematic reviews of other types of research, particularly evaluations of interventions.
ROSES RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses
These standards include pro forma, flow-diagram and descriptive summary of the plan and conduct of environmental systematic reviews and systematic maps.
EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research)
This is a library of reporting guidelines and also links to other resources relevant to research reporting and writing.
Some recommended additional reading
An introduction to systematic reviews
Systematic approaches to a successful literature search
Remember to document your search for your systematic review.