Systematic Reviews

A systematic review is a literature review, performed using a rigorous and clearly documented search strategy and selection process, that attempts to find and synthesize all evidence that fits predetermined criteria in order to answer a specific clinical question.

A systematic review is a scientific investigation in itself. It requires:

• A clearly defined research question and research plan.
• A comprehensive, transparent, and reproducible methodology, designed to minimize bias.
• Critical evaluation and assessment of bias of all included studies.
• An in-depth report outlining the process of finding and appraising literature, extracting data, measuring bias, and analyzing results.

Systematic reviews can be used to:

• Provide high level summaries of the available evidence.
• Inform health care decision-making.
• Keep clinicians updated.
• Serve as the basis of clinical practice guidelines.

A number of standards have been developed for the conduct and reporting of systematic reviews to ensure that every published systematic review is clear, accurate, and fully replicable. Following one of these standards can serve as a guideline for appropriate methodology, and may be a requirement for formal recognition as a systematic review by publishers and repositories.