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Writing a Systematic Review

A systematic review (SR) is a methodology in which a body of literature addressing a specific research question or clearly defined problem is identified, critically appraised, and synthesized.  For medical researchers, SRs serve as a form of analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of a healthcare intervention.

Systematic reviews include the following characteristics: 

• A clearly defined clinical or research question
• Explicit criteria for the inclusion/exclusion of the literature
• Comprehensive search strategy created by a librarian
• A protocol outlining the plan for the systematic review
• Selection of studies for inclusion based on pre-determined criteria
• Extraction of data from inclusion studies
• Evaluation of the risk of bias of included studies
• Assessment of the quality of the evidence
• Discussion of findings and recommendations

To assist with transparency throughout the process, authors are encouraged to use the PRISMA Flow Diagram, an evidence-based reporting tool.  Additional resources to help with data extraction include: Covidence, DistillerSR, and Rayyan. 

A number of international organizations are dedicated to providing quality evidence via systematic review writing.  These include: Cochrane, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI), the Campbell Collaboration and Best Evidence Medical and Health Professional Education (BEME).

To learn more about systematic reviews, visit the CCNY Libraries Public Health research guide.