What does it mean to search systematically?
This guide is for anyone wanting to conduct a systematic review. This type of review follows a strict procedure and is usually very comprehensive. You can use part of the method described in this guide to make your search more systematic even if you are not planning to follow all the steps.
A systematic review is a literature review that aims to identify, evaluate, select and compile all available research, within a specific topic area or research question, through a transparent process. Literature searches for a systematic review need to be exhaustive, and you should be prepared to take all results into consideration.
What type of review is right for you?
| Scoping review | Systematic review | |
| Objectives |
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| Search | Systematic, aiming to be exhaustive | Systematic, aiming to be exhaustive |
| Screening for relevance | Takes all search results into account | Takes all search results into account |
| Quality appraisal (risk of bias) | Sometimes, not a requirement | Yes. Bias in the methodology of the studies affect how confident the overall conslusions can be. |
| Results | An overview of the research on the topic, the concepts used, or the types of evidence available | Synthesis, either through a narrative synthesis or a meta-analysis |
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Article: Systematic review or scoping review?Munn, Z., Peters, M.D.J., Stern, C. et al. Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach. BMC Med Res Methodol 18, 143 (2018).
The process of doing a systematic review
Below is a model of the process of doing a systematic review, from deciding a topic to publication.
Illustration by Jessica Kaufman, Cochrane Consumers & Communication Review Group, Centre for Health Communication & Participation, La Trobe University, 2011. CC-BY-SA.