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Types of Research Reviews: Systematic Reviews

Systematic Reviews

Introduction to Systematic Reviews
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A systematic review is a comprehensive review of primary research on a specific research question in order to compile and analyze all relevant evidence. It reveals validity of data, study methods, and funding sources of research. TUC offers Cochrane Interactive Learning to all and is available on our A-Z Database list.

PRISMA
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The Steps of a Systematic Review
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First, determine that your research is at the stage to conduct a systematic review before starting the Systematic Review process. You will also need to assemble your team. Consult the PRISMA 2020 checklist for more detailed steps.

  1. Check for existing and ongoing systematic reviews on the topic. See the Find Systematic Reviews box on the left for places to search.
  2. Prepare your topic - fully describe the topic, type of question, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and methodologies.
  3. Create a protocol - select appropriate registry and register protocol.
  4. Design a search strategy - outline keywords, controlled vocabulary, subject categories, and facets to find studies for the review. You may want to consult a librarian at this time for help or to review your search strategy.
  5. Search for studies - use the library's databases and consult a librarian for resources available on your topic. Search multiple databases, follow research institution's instructions (e.g. Cochrane or JBI). Include grey literature.
  6. Document search results in your PRISMA flow diagram.
  7. Screen the studies - team members will need to review all studies for inclusion: first do title abstract screening with 2+ independent reviewers, then a full-text screen of selected studies with 2+ reviewers.
  8. Extract and prepare data.
  9. Analyze and synthesize the evidence.
  10. Report findings.

General overview of the Steps of a Systematic Review video by Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health.

PDF

What is a systematic review?

A booklet outlining the systematic review process by Pippa Hemingway, PhD BSc (Hons) RGN RSCN from School of Health and Related Research at University of Sheffield and Nic Brereton, PhD BSc (Hons).

Types of Systematic Reviews?
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Effectiveness Reviews - A Synthesis of quantitative evidence to analyze the effectiveness of a treatment.

Diagnostic Test Accuracy Review - Evaluates the quality of published studies to provide a summary of test performance

Etiology and Risk Review - An assessment of the relationship between certain factors and the development of a disease or condition or other health outcome.

Costs/Economic Evidence Review - A review of evidence from economic evaluations that addresses a question or questions about the cost-effectiveness of a health intervention.

Prevalence or Incidence Review - Summarizes epidemiological studies to assess the prevalence or incidence of a clinical condition.

Mixed Methods Review - A synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data.

Qualitative Evidence Reviews - A synthesis of qualitative evidence from interviews, observations, focus groups, and field work where studies are conducted in a subject's natural setting in order to inform healthcare decision-making.

Umbrella Review - A systematic review of systematic review. Includes a broad range of reviews conducted for potential interventions to establish pros and cons and potential outcomes of each treatment.

Meta-Synthesis - To formulate a new interpretation of the research field by bringing together qualitative data. It primarily generates theories for programs, implementation, or interventions. 

Rapid Reviews - A form of synthesizing evidence in a shorter time period than other Systematic Review types. Typically done in a short time frame and omits stages from the rigorous Systematic Review process. 

Systematic Review Software
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Covidence

TUC offers premium access to Covidence, a systematic review management software. Click the link above to see our guide, which includes information on how to sign up and how to use it.

Guidelines
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JBI

JBI is a global organization promoting and supporting evidence-based decisions that improve health and health service delivery. It offers a unique range of solutions to access, appraise and apply the best available evidence.

Cochrane

A Cochrane review is a systematic review that attempts to identify, appraise and synthesize evidence to answer a specific research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit, systematic methods aimed at minimizing bias, to produce reliable findings to inform decision-making. We encourage authors of Cochrane reviews to update their published reviews to reflect the findings of new evidence when it becomes available. Cochrane reviews are valuable sources of information for those receiving and providing care, as well as for decision-makers and researchers.