itsual Systematic Review
Overview
A systematic review answers a defined question by finding, appraising, and synthesizing all relevant evidence using a predetermined protocol — reducing cherry-picking.
When to Use
- High-stakes evidence summaries
- Academic and clinical evidence bases
- Policy and standards decisions
- Technical state-of-the-art with auditability needs
Core Practices
- Register or document the protocol (question, criteria, search plan)
- Search multiple sources with recorded strategies
- Screen studies with dual review when possible
- Appraise quality/risk of bias
- Synthesize narratively or quantitatively (meta-analysis) as appropriate
- Report PRISMA-style flow and limitations
Principles
- Protocol precedes results to limit bias
- Absence of evidence ≠ evidence of absence
- Quality of included studies bounds quality of conclusions
- Updates may be needed as literature moves
Verification
- Protocol and criteria are explicit
- Search and screening are reproducible
- Conclusions respect study quality and heterogeneity