A systematic review is a rigorous type of literature review that collects and critically analyzes multiple research studies or papers on a clearly defined topic using explicit, reproducible methods to minimize bias. It involves a structured process of defining a research question, setting criteria for study inclusion, systematically searching for relevant research, assessing study quality, and synthesizing findings, often quantitatively through meta- analysis. Systematic reviews aim to provide comprehensive, reliable, and evidence-based conclusions to inform research, policy, and practice.
Key Characteristics
- Uses a clear, explicit research question and protocol often registered or published before review.
- Follows a comprehensive, replicable search strategy for identifying relevant studies.
- Includes critical appraisal of study quality and risk of bias.
- Synthesizes data from multiple studies to draw well-founded conclusions.
- Often involves more than one reviewer to enhance objectivity.
Process Stages
- Defining a precise question (e.g., using PICO framework: Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome).
- Developing inclusion and exclusion criteria for studies.
- Systematic search across databases and other sources.
- Screening and selecting studies based on eligibility.
- Data extraction and quality assessment.
- Data synthesis and, where applicable, meta-analysis.
- Interpretation and reporting of results with transparency.
Systematic reviews are distinguished from traditional narrative reviews by their methodological rigor intended to minimize bias and provide more reliable evidence summaries.
