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What is a systematic review?
A systematic review answers a specific question by finding, critically appraising, and synthesising all available evidence. Unlike a narrative review, it follows a pre-planned, transparent, and reproducible method that minimises bias.
Why it matters for your portfolioA published systematic review is one of the most impressive portfolio items for specialty training applications.
How is it different from a narrative review?⌄
A narrative review lets you choose papers based on your judgement. A systematic review documents every step before you start. Two reviewers independently screen every paper making the process reproducible.
Can I do one without a meta-analysis?⌄
Yes. A meta-analysis is optional. If included studies are too different to pool statistically, results can be presented narratively. Many published systematic reviews have no meta-analysis.
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Step by step guide
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Form your PICO question
Define Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome before searching. This determines your inclusion criteria.
2
Search PROSPERO
Check your review has not already been done at prospero.york.ac.uk. Register your protocol before starting.
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Run database searches
Search PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane as minimum. Document every search string.
4
Screen titles and abstracts
Two reviewers screen independently using Rayyan (free at rayyan.ai). Resolve disagreements by consensus.
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Full-text screening
Retrieve papers that passed abstract screening. Document reasons for every exclusion.
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Data extraction and risk of bias
Extract data using a pre-designed form. Assess quality using RoB2 for RCTs.
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Write up and submit
Follow PRISMA reporting guidelines. Include your flow diagram.
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Video walkthrough coming soon
A complete video guide for visual and auditory learners.
Coming soon3
Checklist
Click each item to mark complete.
PICO question clearly defined
PROSPERO searched and protocol registered
At least three databases searched
Duplicates removed and documented
Title and abstract screening by two reviewers
Full-text screening with exclusion reasons
Data extraction completed
Risk of bias assessment completed
PRISMA flow diagram accurate
All authors approved final manuscript
Test your understanding
5 questions on the key concepts.
1. What is the main advantage of a systematic review?
2. What does PICO stand for?
3. Why must you search PROSPERO first?
4. What does Boolean OR do?
5. Which tool is standard for abstract screening?