Systematic review: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|A | {{Short description|A type of literature review that collects and critically analyzes multiple research studies or papers}} | ||
A '''systematic review''' is a | A '''systematic review''' is a form of research that aims to collect and critically analyze multiple research studies or papers. It is a comprehensive and structured approach to reviewing the existing literature on a particular topic, often used in the fields of [[healthcare]], [[social sciences]], and [[education]]. | ||
==Purpose | ==Purpose== | ||
The primary purpose of a systematic review is to identify, evaluate, and synthesize the findings of all relevant individual studies, thereby providing a more reliable and comprehensive understanding of a specific research question. This method is particularly valuable in [[evidence-based practice]], where decisions are made based on the best available evidence. | |||
==Methodology== | ==Methodology== | ||
The process | Systematic reviews follow a rigorous and predefined methodology to minimize bias and ensure the reliability of the findings. The process typically involves several key steps: | ||
===Formulating the Research Question=== | ===Formulating the Research Question=== | ||
The first step is to define | The first step in conducting a systematic review is to clearly define the research question. This often involves using the [[PICO framework]] (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) to ensure that the question is specific and answerable. | ||
===Developing a Protocol=== | ===Developing a Protocol=== | ||
A protocol is developed | A detailed protocol is developed before the review begins. This protocol outlines the methods that will be used, including the criteria for including and excluding studies, the databases to be searched, and the strategy for data extraction and analysis. | ||
===Literature Search=== | ===Literature Search=== | ||
A comprehensive search of the literature is conducted | A comprehensive search of the literature is conducted using multiple databases such as [[PubMed]], [[Cochrane Library]], and [[EMBASE]]. The search strategy is designed to capture all relevant studies, including unpublished data and grey literature. | ||
===Study Selection=== | ===Study Selection=== | ||
Studies are selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This process is often conducted by multiple reviewers to reduce bias. | Studies are selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This process is often conducted by multiple reviewers to reduce bias and ensure consistency. | ||
===Data Extraction=== | ===Data Extraction=== | ||
Data from the | Data from the selected studies are extracted using standardized forms. This includes information on study design, participants, interventions, outcomes, and results. | ||
[[File:Extraction_machine.gif|Data extraction process|thumb| | [[File:Extraction_machine.gif|Data extraction process|thumb|left]] | ||
===Quality Assessment=== | ===Quality Assessment=== | ||
The quality of the included studies is assessed using standardized tools. This assessment helps to determine the reliability of the findings. | The quality of the included studies is assessed using standardized tools such as the [[Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool]] or the [[GRADE system]]. This assessment helps to determine the reliability of the findings. | ||
===Data Synthesis=== | ===Data Synthesis=== | ||
The data | The extracted data are synthesized to provide a summary of the evidence. This can be done using qualitative methods or quantitative methods such as [[meta-analysis]], which statistically combines the results of multiple studies. | ||
===Reporting | ===Reporting=== | ||
The findings of the systematic review are reported in a structured format | The findings of the systematic review are reported in a structured format, often following guidelines such as [[PRISMA]] (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). | ||
== | ==Applications== | ||
Systematic reviews | Systematic reviews are widely used in [[clinical practice guidelines]], [[health technology assessment]], and [[policy making]]. They provide a high level of evidence that can inform decision-making and improve patient outcomes. | ||
[[File:Hierarchy_of_Evidence.png|Hierarchy of evidence|thumb|right]] | |||
==Limitations== | |||
While systematic reviews are considered the gold standard in evidence synthesis, they have limitations. These include the potential for publication bias, the quality of the included studies, and the time and resources required to conduct a comprehensive review. | |||
==Related pages== | ==Related pages== | ||
* [[Meta-analysis]] | * [[Meta-analysis]] | ||
* [[Randomized controlled trial]] | * [[Randomized controlled trial]] | ||
* [[Evidence-based | * [[Evidence-based medicine]] | ||
* [[Cochrane Collaboration]] | * [[Cochrane Collaboration]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:28, 6 March 2025
A type of literature review that collects and critically analyzes multiple research studies or papers
A systematic review is a form of research that aims to collect and critically analyze multiple research studies or papers. It is a comprehensive and structured approach to reviewing the existing literature on a particular topic, often used in the fields of healthcare, social sciences, and education.
Purpose[edit]
The primary purpose of a systematic review is to identify, evaluate, and synthesize the findings of all relevant individual studies, thereby providing a more reliable and comprehensive understanding of a specific research question. This method is particularly valuable in evidence-based practice, where decisions are made based on the best available evidence.
Methodology[edit]
Systematic reviews follow a rigorous and predefined methodology to minimize bias and ensure the reliability of the findings. The process typically involves several key steps:
Formulating the Research Question[edit]
The first step in conducting a systematic review is to clearly define the research question. This often involves using the PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) to ensure that the question is specific and answerable.
Developing a Protocol[edit]
A detailed protocol is developed before the review begins. This protocol outlines the methods that will be used, including the criteria for including and excluding studies, the databases to be searched, and the strategy for data extraction and analysis.
Literature Search[edit]
A comprehensive search of the literature is conducted using multiple databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. The search strategy is designed to capture all relevant studies, including unpublished data and grey literature.
Study Selection[edit]
Studies are selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This process is often conducted by multiple reviewers to reduce bias and ensure consistency.
Data Extraction[edit]
Data from the selected studies are extracted using standardized forms. This includes information on study design, participants, interventions, outcomes, and results.
Quality Assessment[edit]
The quality of the included studies is assessed using standardized tools such as the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool or the GRADE system. This assessment helps to determine the reliability of the findings.
Data Synthesis[edit]
The extracted data are synthesized to provide a summary of the evidence. This can be done using qualitative methods or quantitative methods such as meta-analysis, which statistically combines the results of multiple studies.
Reporting[edit]
The findings of the systematic review are reported in a structured format, often following guidelines such as PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses).
Applications[edit]
Systematic reviews are widely used in clinical practice guidelines, health technology assessment, and policy making. They provide a high level of evidence that can inform decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
Limitations[edit]
While systematic reviews are considered the gold standard in evidence synthesis, they have limitations. These include the potential for publication bias, the quality of the included studies, and the time and resources required to conduct a comprehensive review.
