Answers a specific question through a comprehensive synthesis of available studies, using a prospective protocol to identify and select studies and analyse outcomes.
Glossary
Systematic review
Glossary
Summary (bullet points)
- Purpose is to answer a focused research question
- A transparent strategy is used and this consists of a pre-registered protocol that pre-defines all steps of the methodology that will be used
- Studies are identified through a literature search across multiple research databases using the same search terms
- Clearly defined inclusion and exculsion criteria are used to select studies
- Chosen outcomes are extracted using a proform and data is analysed according to the protocol
- Quality of studies is assessed using risk of bias tools”
Classification (s)
Research term
Classification (s)
Evidence synthesis
Foundational paper (s)
Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n71
Systematic reviews in medical education: a practical approach: AMEE guide 94
Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, 2021
PROSPERO – International prospective register of systematic reviews