What is a Systematic Review - Pubrica
                     WHAT IS A  
SYSTEMATIC 
REVIEW
An Academic presentation by
Dr. Nancy Agens, Head, Technical Operations, 
Pubrica  Group: www.pubrica.com
Email: [email protected]
Today's 
Discussion
Outlin In brief
e Introduction
What makes an Excellent Systematic 
Review  Different types of Reviews
Differences between Systematic and Literature 
Reviews  Conclusion
In 
Brief
A systematic review is a secondary research as it requires a careful  
analysis of the quality, quantity, and consistency of research findings.  Sy
stematic reviews formulate research questions that are specifically  
targeted and designed to provide a complete summary of the issue based 
 on evidence. The methodology used in systematic reviews is specific 
and  precise, which intends to minimize bias by increasing the reliability of 
the  drawn conclusion.
Introductio
n
A systematic review is a process of identifying comprehensive studies for a research  
specific question through evaluating the methods of the study, summarizing the results, 
 presenting key findings and identifying reasons for produced results across the study.
In a systematic review, the compiled information tends to be explicit and more transparent 
 using reproducible methods.
The produced results of a systematic review can be summarized either in text or 
graphic
form, and it depends upon the nature of the primary data.
The PRISMA, provides a set of regulations on how to report a systematic review.
What makes an Excellent Systematic 
Review?
A good systematic review will include,
A focused question  
Inclusion/exclusion criteria 
 Search strategy
Study selection
Assess the quality of studies
Synthesize study results
Analysis and limitations Contd
..
1. FOCUSED QUESTION
a systematic review is a research method used to address a specific research question  
and formulating a well-constructed research question is essential for a successful review.
2. INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA
It studies the writers included or excluded and the reason.
3. SEARCH STRATEGY
The reviewer must explain the methods used for finding relevant studies which include 
 published and unpublished clinical trial reports, online database search, as well as  
approaching experts in finding unpublished data.
Contd..
4. STUDY SELECTION
Need to identify suitable study criteria and collect relevant data for conducting 
a  systematic review.
5. ASSESS THE QUALITY OF STUDIES
It helps in identifying the risk of bias in secondary research.
6. SYNTHESIZE STUDY RESULTS
Upon similarity on the included data, the author must determine the effectiveness of an 
 intervention using meta-analysis.
7. ANALYSIS AND LIMITATIONS
The review should discuss the addressed area of study, the findings, and how the review 
 results change the existing limitations.
Different types of 
Reviews:
There are many types of reviews addressing questions of effectiveness, questions about  
the prevalence of diagnostic accuracy, and prognosis. Different types of reviews include,
Literature Review 
 Meta-analysis  
Rapid review  
Scoping review  S
ystematic review
Systematized review 
 Umbrella review
Differences between Systematic 
and  Literature Reviews
Systematic Review Literature Review
Mainly focused on one question. It describes an overview and not 
 based on a single question.
It follows peer review protocol or plan.  It has no protocol.
Study-specific objectives are identified. No such objectives will be identified.  
 A systematic search will be Search strategy will not be mentioned. 
conducted.  Clear and explicit.  Not described
Research question specific information Extracting relevant information is not 
 extraction.  specific to a single question
Conclusio
n
In summary, a systematic review is a search of all sources of evidence for relevant 
 studies or on research question specific study.
Predetermined reproducible criteria to screen for eligibility and relevance 
assessment
of titles and the abstracts will be followed.
Each study will then be assessed in terms of methodological quality, and finally, the 
 evidence is synthesized.
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