'In basic terms, a systematic review is a protocol-driven, comprehensive literature review, usually designed to answer a specific clinical question' (Mayo Clinic Libraries)
For a more detailed definition see Clarifying differences between review designs and methods by David Gough, James Thomas & Sandy Oliver
Also see our Systematic Reviews page and the Systematic Review Guide by Curtin University Library.
Before beginning a Systematic Review ask yourself:
If you answered No to any of the first 4 questions, a traditional literature review will be more appropriate.
If you answered No to the last question, a meta-analysis will not be an appropriate methodolgy for your review.
For a quick alternative to a systematic review see information about TRIP Rapid Reviews.
|
Criteria |
Systematic Reviews |
Literature Reviews |
| Question |
Focused on a single question (often PICO based) |
Not necessarily focused on a single question - may describe an overview |
| Protocol |
A peer reviewed protocol or plan is included |
No protocol included |
| Background |
Summarises the available literature |
Summarises the available literature |
| Objectives |
Clear objectives are identified |
Objectives may or may not be identified |
| Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria |
Criteria stated before the review is conducted |
Criteria not stated |
| Search Strategy |
Comprehensive and systematic (stated in the document) |
Strategy not explicitly stated (not always comprehensive or systematic) |
| Process of Selecting Articles |
Usually clear and explicit |
Not described in a literature review |
| Process of Evaluating Articles |
Comprehensive evaluation of study quality |
Evaluation of study quality may or may not be included |
| Process of Extracting Information |
Usually clear and specific |
Not clear or explicit |
| Results & Data Synthesis |
Clear summaries of studies based on high quality evidence |
Summary based on studies where the quality of the articles may not be specified. May also be influenced by the reviewer's therories, needs and beliefs. |
| Discussion |
Written by an expert or group of experts with a detailed and well grounded knowledge of the issues |
Written by an expert or group of experts with a detailed and well grounded knowledge of the issues |
(from Curtin University Library's Systematic Review guide)
The Institute of Medicine issued Standards for Systematic Review Teams in 2010, including a set of standards specifically about conducting searches. The first standard for searching (3.1.1) states that systematic review teams should work with a librarian to plan the search strategy.