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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.

What is a Systematic Review

"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

Required elements of a Systematic Review:

  • A team to ensure unbiased screening
  • Conducted according to Cochrane OR JBI guidelines
  • Reported according to the PRISMA standards
  • File a protocol a priori
  • Reproducible and transparent search strategies of multiple applicable databases and  grey literature resources
  • Two phases of screening: Title/Abstract and Full Text by at least 2 screeners
  • Documentation of included and excluded studies according to the PRISMA flow diagram
  • Critical Appraisal of all included studies
  • Documentation of data extraction process per protocol
  • Citation of included studies, guidelines and tools utilized

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.

The JBI manual strongly recommends that a librarian be involved with the creation of systematic review search strategies.  We recommend working with a librarian during the planning and searching phases of your scoping review. The A.T. Still Memorial Library provides three levels of assistance for systematic and scoping reviews.

Consultant Education with Co-Author Co-Author
  • Assist in determining which type of Evidence Synthesis review best fits your question and research needs
  • Provide education on the systematic or scoping (or other types) review methodology
  • Assist with refining the research topic
  • Recommend databases and grey literature sources
  • Provide training on citation management and review software like Covidence
  • Recommend protocol registration platforms
  • Suggest edits for your search strategy
  • Provide education on developing comprehensive search strategies
  • Provide education on translating your search strategy between different databases
  • Assist in determining which type of Evidence Synthesis review best fits your question and research needs
  • Provide education on the systematic or scoping (or other types) review methodology
  • Assist with refining the research topic
  • Recommend databases and grey literature sources
  • Provide training on citation management and review software like Covidence
  • Recommend protocol registration platforms
  • Share tools for database translation and split up the work of translating, including grey literature
  • Provide education and assist with developing comprehensive search strategies
  • Help to write the search strategy section of the protocol and manuscript
  • Advice on writing article according to PRISMA guidelines
  • Provide editiorial feedback on the manuscript
  • Assist in determining which type of Evidence Synthesis review best fits your question and research needs
  • Provide education on the systematic or scoping (or other types) review methodology
  • Assist with the refinement of the research question
  • Select databases and grey literature sources
  • Create the search strategy
  • Translate the search strategy into the syntax of all databases
  • Perform searching and export them in citation management/systematic review software
  • Provide training on citation management and review sofware like Covidence
  • Write the search strategy section of the protocol
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  • Help to write the search strategy section of the protocol and manuscript
  • Advice on writing article according to PRISMA guidelines
  • Provide editiorial feedback on the manuscript

Systematic Review Process Map

Systematic Review Timeline

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 

Systematic Review Librarian Assistance

Liaison Librarians