Systematic Review: Synopsis

DML Systematic Review Collaboration Initiative

Collaboration Mission

Enhance the quality of systematic review and clinical care. 

Systematic Review Synopsis 

What is a systematic review? 

A systematic review attempts to collate all empirical evidence that fits pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a specific research question. It uses explicit, systematic methods to minimize bias and provide reliable conclusions and decisions (Antman 1992, Oxman 1993).

Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 [updated March 2011]. The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011. Available from www.cochrane-handbook.org.

Purpose:

• Identify, appraise, and synthesize research-based evidence and present in an accessible format (Mulrow 1994) to aid in healthcare decision-making.

Goal:

• Systematic reviews seek to collate all evidence that fits pre-specified eligibility criteria to address a specific research question.
• Systematic reviews aim to minimize bias by using explicit, systematic methods.
• Systematic reviews contribute to healthcare decisions

Key Points:

• Assessment of validity of findings of included studies, for example, through the assessment of the risk of bias
• A systematic presentation, and synthesis, of the characteristics and findings of the included studies.
• Clearly stated set of objectives with pre-defined eligibility criteria for studies
• Explicit, reproducible methodology
• A systematic search that attempts to identify all studies that would meet the eligibility criteria

Green S, Higgins JPT, Alderson P, Clarke M, Mulrow CD, Oxman  AD. Chapter 1: Introduction. In: Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 [updated March 2011]. The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011. Available from www.cochrane-handbook.org.

For more information, books, and journals, browse DML Book Catalog and DML A-Z Journal Catalog, and DML Database Catalog. Consider also to schedule Consultation on finding associated resources on conducting a systematic review.