Systematic reviews involve a very specific and strict set of steps. Learn about the overall process of conducting a systematic review, and where you can find further guidance. You can also find specific guidelines and resources for reviews in medicine and the social sciences.
What is a systematic review?
A systematic review identifies and analyses all available evidence-based literature on a specified research question. Methodology follows a structured research process, is transparent and reproducible and attempts to minimize possible bias. Key results and conclusions provide comprehensive evidence-based findings to inform those making practice and policy decisions.
Systematic reviews were originally developed to examine the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. They are now increasingly being utilised for other purposes and disciplines.
Some systematic reviews involve a meta-analysis which uses statistical methods to combine numerical data from the separate research studies to reach a new statistical conclusion. This provides stronger statistical evidence than that found in an individual study.
Stages of a systematic review
The process of systematic review involves the general stages below.
The Library can assist with questions related to the searching stage of a review.
Identify the scope
- Conduct initial searches to help define the scope of the review.
- Formulate a clear and focused research question and set of eligibility criteria.
Search comprehensively
- Conduct systematic searches across multiple databases and sources.
- Document your searches and export your results.
- Learn more about Comprehensive searching and Planning your search.
- Locate relevant places to search using Subject guides.
- Find guidelines for reviews in Medicine and Social sciences.
- Get help with searching from the Library.
Synthesise the results
- Screen for inclusion and exclusion.
- Extract data from selected studies.
- Assess quality and risk of bias.
- Synthesise results of the review.
How long does a review take to conduct?
- It generally takes 12-18 months to complete a systematic review.
- Before undertaking a review, consider if this review type balances your need to find sufficient studies and/or concepts with the time and resources at your disposal.
- See the PredicTER tool to help you estimate how long a systematic review would take your team to complete.
What tools are available for reviews?
- The SR Toolbox is a catalogue of tools that support various tasks within the systematic review and wider evidence synthesis process.
- Consult your school or faculty for questions regarding screening tools such as Covidence.
What support is available from the Library?
- The Library Research consultation service is available to help you with your search strategy and database training.
- You can also consult Comprehensive searching and Planning your search.
- Find published guidelines for reviews in Medicine and Social sciences.
- Please note that the Library is not responsible for approving your search strategy. This will require your subject expertise and you will need to review this with your supervisor/CI and research team.