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Systematic Reviews

This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to conduct a systematic review and how librarians can assist in the process.

Why Register A Protocol

  • Protocol registration is a best practice recommended by major systematic review guidelines such as Cochrane, the JBI Manual, and the PRISMA Reporting Guidelines.
  • Reduces bias by establishing your criteria a priori
  • Much of the information within the protocol will assist with the article formatting and writing
  • Promotes transparent research methodology and open science
  • Establishes provenance of your research topic
  • Reduces duplication of efforts and promotes collaboration

Protocols

Open Science Framework (OSF) PROSPERO Cochrane Campbell Collaboration Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)
  • Free, open-source platform supporting preregistration, data sharing, and collaboration.
  • Suitable for all research types (qualitative, quantitative, systematic, scoping).
  • Provides DOIs, version control, and customizable privacy settings.
  • Flexible templates (e.g., JBI) or custom uploads.
  • No peer review — functions as a research registry and repository.
  • International, open-access registry for systematic reviews with health-related outcomes.
  • Free and open to researchers worldwide.
  • Registration occurs before data collection to promote transparency and reduce bias.
  • Assigns a CRD number for citation and tracking.
  • Helps prevent duplication and supports collaboration.
  • Accepts systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and some scoping reviews.
  • Records protocols only — no peer review or quality appraisal.
  • Linked with PubMed and Cochrane for visibility.
  • Global non-profit producing rigorous, peer-reviewed systematic reviews in healthcare.
  • Follows strict Cochrane Handbook methods.
  • Reviews published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR).
  • Only Cochrane-author teams can publish; reviews updated regularly.
  • Automatically registered in PROSPERO for transparency.
  • Widely recognized as the gold standard for healthcare evidence synthesis.
  • International network producing systematic reviews in social sciences.
  • Focus areas: education, justice, welfare, development, environment.
  • Publishes in Campbell Systematic Reviews (open access, peer-reviewed, Wiley).
  • Adheres to MECCIR standards (adapted from Cochrane).
  • Encourages preregistration, transparency, and policy relevance.
  • Recognized as the leading source for evidence synthesis in social policy.
  • International leader in evidence-based healthcare and implementation science.
  • Provides detailed guidance in the JBI Evidence Synthesis Manual.
  • Uses the FAME framework (Feasibility, Appropriateness, Meaningfulness, Effectiveness).
  • Reviews registered within the JBI network and/or PROSPERO.
  • Published in JBI Evidence Synthesis (peer-reviewed, open access).
  • Emphasizes contextual and mixed-methods evidence.
  • The JBI Review Register is restricted to JBI-affiliated entities only.

Protocol Registration Videos and Templates

JBI Protocol Resources & Registration

JBI no longer accepts direct protocol submissions. Instead, you must first upload your protocol to the Open Science Framework (OSF) to ensure transparency and accessibility. Once your protocol is publicly available on OSF, you can proceed to complete the JBI Title Registration Form, including the OSF link to your protocol. Once titles become registered with JBI, they are listed on the website, and this will then allow you to publish in one of JBI journals.