Evidence Syntheses (Scoping, systematic, & other types of reviews)
- Overview
- Types of Evidence Syntheses
- Should You Do a Systematic Review?
- Work with a Search Expert
- Evidence in an Evidence Synthesis
- Protocol
- Methods & How-to
- Information Sources
- Search Strategy
- Managing Records
- Selection Process
- Data Collection Process
- Study Risk of Bias Assessment
- Reporting Results
- For Search Experts

Reporting Standards
Please note the PRISMA is a REPORTING standard, and indicates which elements should be reported in a protocol and manuscript, and how. It is not a methodology guide. To correctly refer to your use of PRISMA resources, you should indicate that "this review is reported in compliance with PRISMA 2020 [or appropriate extension] standards"
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PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)The main PRISMA reporting guideline (the PRISMA 2020 statement) primarily provides guidance for the reporting of systematic reviews evaluating the effects of interventions. PRISMA 2020 is complemented by various PRISMA extensions, which provide guidance for the reporting of different types or aspects of systematic reviews and other types of evidence synthesis (e.g. scoping reviews).
Methodology Guidelines
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Cochrane Guides and HandbooksIncludes direct links to:
• Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions
• Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy
• Cochrane-Campbell Handbook for Qualitative Evidence Synthesis
• GRADE Handbook -
Cochrane MECIR ManualStandards for the conduct of new Cochrane Intervention Reviews, and the planning and conduct of updates
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Cochrane Methodology ResourcesIncludes direct links to:
• Cochrane Interactive Learning: Conducting an intervention review
• Diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) reviews
• GRADE approach
• Risk of bias
• Network meta-analysis
• Systematic review of prognosis studies
• Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) reporting -
Cochrane Rapid Review Methods GuidanceGuidance on methods for conducting rapid reviews of effectiveness, targeted at Cochrane and other stakeholders interested in the methodology of rapid reviews.
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JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis (Joanna Briggs Institute)Includes chapters on:
• Systematic reviews of qualitative evidence
• Systematic reviews of effectiveness
• Systematic reviews of textual evidence: narrative, expert opinion or policy
• Systematic reviews of economic evidence
• Systematic reviews of etiology and risk
• Mixed methods systematic reviews
• Umbrella reviews
• Scoping reviews -
Campbell Collaboration StandardsMethodological Expectations of Campbell Collaboration Intervention Reviews (MECCIR) constitute the standards for the conduct and reporting of Campbell systematic review of intervention reviews. These standards were initially adapted from the Cochrane MECIR conduct and reporting standards developed by the Cochrane MECIR team in 2014.
Detailed Guidance: Ebooks & Articles
Ebooks
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Making Literature Reviews Work: A Multidisciplinary Guide to Systematic Approaches by Rob Dekkers, Lindsey Carey, Peter Langhorne
ISBN: 3030900258Publication Date: 2022 -
How to Perform a Systematic Literature Review : A Guide for Health and Social Care Researchers, Practitioners and Students by Edward Purssell, Niall McCrae
ISBN: 9783031711596Publication Date: 2024 -
Systematic Reviews in Health Research by Matthias Egger (Editor); Julian P. T. Higgins (Editor); George Davey Smith (Editor)
ISBN: 1119099382Publication Date: 2022 -
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Mahsa Ghajarzadeh (Editor); Sara Hanaei (Editor); Nima Rezaei (Editor)
ISBN: 9780443134289Publication Date: 2024 -
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Comprehensive systematic review for advanced practice nursing by Cheryl Holly, Susan Salmond, Maria Saimbert
ISBN: 0826152260Publication Date: 2022 -
Systematic Reviews to Support Evidence-Based Medicine by Khalid Saeed Khan; Javier Zamora
ISBN: 1000775399Publication Date: 2022 -
Meta-Research : Methods and Protocols by Evangelos Evangelou, Areti Angeliki Veroniki
ISBN: 1071615661Publication Date: 2022 -
A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an Integrative Review by Coleen E. Toronto, Ruth Remington
ISBN: 3030375048Publication Date: 2020 -
Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences by Mark Petticrew; Helen Roberts
ISBN: 9781405150149Publication Date: 2008
In Print on Reserve
Titles in this section are available in print only because their publishers do not have an online institutional subscription option. You can use these titles in the building at THSL by requesting them at the Information Desk. Please click on the link next to each title to ensure that it is available before coming to THSL.
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Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review by Andrew Booth; Anthea Sutton; Mark Clowes; Marrissa Martyn-St James
Call Number: LB 1047.3 .B66 2022ISBN: 9781529711851Publication Date: 2022 -
Doing a Systematic Review: A Student's Guide by Angela Boland (Editor); Rumona Dickson (Editor); M. Gemma Cherry (Editor)
Call Number: LB 2369 .D65 2024ISBN: 9781529740974Publication Date: 2023 -
An Introduction to Systematic Reviews [Social Sciences] by David Gough (Editor); Sandy Oliver (Editor); James Thomas (Editor)
Call Number: Q 180 .A1 G68 2017ISBN: 9781473929425Publication Date: 2017
Videos & Tutorials
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Systematic reviews : research question, inclusion criteria and risk of bias assessment [18 min] by Joel GagnierPublication Date: 2021Joel Gagnier, Associate Professor in the department of Orthopedic Surgery and Epidemiology at the University of Michigan, introduces an eight-step checklist for developing systematic reviews and discusses the first three: research questions, inclusion criteria, and risk bias assessment.
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How to do a rapid review of peer-reviewed literature [20 min] by Robert KerrisonPublication Date: 2021Robert Kerrison, Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, discusses how to do a rapid review of peer-reviewed literature, including the strengths and limitations, and situations where a rapid review is warranted, and steps to conducting a rapid literature review.
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Cochrane Interactive Learning Module 1: Introduction to conducting systematic reviews [45-60 min][FREE REGISTRATION REQUIRED]
Part of the Cochrane Interactive Learning course on Conducting an Intervention Review, this module introduces you to what systematic reviews are and why they are useful. This module describes the various types and preferred format of review questions, and outlines the process of conducting systematic reviews. *Please note that other modules in the Cochrane Interactive Learning Course require a subscription.* -
Systematic Reviews: A Comprehensive Overview Video Series (Vanderbilt University)This collection of videos is a self-paced instruction tool for those just starting out learning about systematic reviews (what they are, steps to conducting, etc.) and also experienced individuals seeking a refresher on a particular systematic review topic. Each video is accompanied by a pdf handout of the slides as well as "test your knowledge" exercises.
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Cochrane Rapid Reviews: Learning Live webinar seriesThese webinars are designed to provide you with a clear roadmap, helping you navigate the intricacies of rapid review methodologies. Whether you're a researcher, a healthcare professional, or anyone who relies on evidence to make informed decisions, the recordings from these webinars can be helpful for you.
Courses
Advanced Literature Searching in the Health Sciences MOOC (Massive Open Online Course)
- Covers fundamental components of advanced literature searching for projects such as systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and clinical practice guidelines
- 9 weeks of content with approximately 2-4 hours of effort per week
- Free with verified certificate available for a fee
- Designed by Informationists at the University of Michigan Taubman Health Sciences Library
Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis MOOC
- Introduces methods and processes for systematic reviews and meta-analyses
- 6 weeks of content with approximately 1-3 hours of effort per week
- Free with certificate available for a fee
- Offered by Johns Hopkins University