"A systematic review attempts to identify, appraise and synthesize all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a specific research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit, systematic methods that are selected with a view aimed at minimizing bias, to produce more reliable findings to inform decision making."
Source: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/about/about-cochrane-reviews
The purpose of a systematic review is provide a synthesized, comprehensive view of the available literature on a specific topic. The systematic review methodology must be transparent, reproducible with strong validity and low risk of bias.
This is a required planning step performed a priori to a review or systematic review. This form follows a modified version of the PRISMA 2020 statement. This protocol will be used solely for library purposes to help with consultation services or in construction of the literature search. All information shared is strictly held confidential. We will respond to your request within 2-3 business days. Please be aware that due to the volume of requests, we may not be able to complete your search immediately. For questions about this form, please contact the library at libmo@atsu.edu or libaz@atsu.edu.
This table is an estimate of time to complete based on a team of 4-6 FTE researchers working with an experienced librarian.
With 5 team members, an average systematic review takes approximately 62 - 67 weeks (Borah, et. al. , 2016)
| Getting Started | Assemble team and member roles, develop & refine research question, determine inclusion & exclusion criteria, acquire exemplar articles, meet with a librarian to develop search strategy, begin the protocol application | 4-6 weeks |
| Primary Search Design | Determine applicable databases, grey literature sources and develop pilot search strategy. Complete pilot screening process. Confirm changes for final search strategy | 6-8 weeks |
| Finalize search strategy | Adapt search strategy according to pilot screening feedback, peer review of finalized search strategy, run final search and begin title/abstract screening. | 6-8 weeks |
| Screening |
Phase 1: Title and abstract screening. Phase 2: Full text screening |
8-12 weeks |
| Critical appraisal of included studies | Dependent upon quantity of included studies | 8-12 weeks |
| Data extraction from included studies | Dependent upon quantity of included studies | 8-12 weeks |
| Write the review | Refer to reporting standards and guidelines: PRISMA 2020 | 8-12 weeks |
