A systematic review is essentially a high-quality summary of existing research on a specific topic. It follows a rigorous and transparent methodology to identify, evaluate, and synthesize findings from multiple primary studies.
Here are some key features of a systematic review:
- Focused question: It addresses a clearly defined research question, aiming to inform understanding and decision-making within a particular area.
- Systematic search: Researchers employ a methodical approach to searching for relevant studies across various databases and sources, minimizing bias in selection.
- Eligibility criteria: Pre-defined criteria are established to determine which studies are included in the review, ensuring they directly address the research question and meet quality standards.
- Critical appraisal: The studies are carefully assessed for their strengths and weaknesses, including potential biases and methodological limitations.
- Synthesis of findings: The results from the included studies are brought together and summarized in a clear and concise manner, often using tables or figures.
