Identifying systematic reviews
Systematic reviews aim to answer a clearly defined research or clinical question through rigorous identification, appraisal and synthesis of research evidence. They represent an evidence-based approach to informing practice in a range of disciplines. Systematic reviews are well-established in the fields of medicine and healthcare, but are also used in other areas including the social sciences.
The systematic review process usually starts with defining a research question and establishing criteria for the inclusion or exclusion of studies. A thorough literature search is undertaken to identify all the relevant studies. Studies are then appraised and where possible, and if appropriate, a synthesis of evidence may be performed. Systematic reviews aim to be a comprehensive summary of current evidence related to a particular research question.
Where can I find published systematic reviews?
You can search for published systematic reviews in medicine and health sciences in bibliographic databases such as MEDLINE (or its freely available equivalent, PubMed). You can also search the websites of major producers of systematic reviews, such as the organisations below. In addition, the PROSPERO protocols database is a prospective register of systematic reviews which are being undertaken but are not yet published, and the Epistemonikos database aims to contain all systematic reviews relevant for health decision-making.
Cochrane Library
A collection of databases containing different types of evidence in healthcare, including:
Campbell Collaboration
The Campbell Library contains systematic reviews of the effectiveness of social interventions, particulary in the fields of:
- education
- crime
- social welfare
Systematic reviews beyond medicine and health sciences
Systematic reviews originated in Medicine and Health Sciences but the methodology is increasingly being adapted for use in other disciplinary areas. Systematic reviews are found throughout the Sciences and Social Sciences. In areas such as Education, a 'mixed methods’ approach to undertaking systematic reviews is prevalent. The Evidence for Policyand Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre (EPPI-Centre) and Campbell Collaboration are advancing a similarly rigorous approach to the ‘gold standard’ set by Cochrane for Medicine for the reviews they endorse. See below for a selection of recommended resources:
- Campbell Collaboration. The Campbell Collaboration promotes positive social and economic change through the production and use of systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis for evidence-based policy and practice.
- Collaboration for Environmental Evidence. Independent organization producing systematic reviews for environmental management. The website has guidelines for authors, ROSES reporting standards and the CADIMA synthesis tool.
- The Community Guide. The Guide to Community Preventative Services is a free database of systematic reviews to help practitioners choose programs and policies to improve health and prevent disease in their community.
- EPPI-Centre. An Institute of Education Centre focusing on systematic reviews in education, health and social policy. The EPPI-Centre develops methods for systematic reviews and research syntheses, conducting reviews, supporting others to undertake reviews, and providing guidance and training in this area.
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie). Independent organization producing systematic reviews on what works in international development. 3ie partner with the Campbell Collaboration. They have over 600 reviews or protocols currently available.
- Scholarly databases. You can search any scholarly database that publishes research in your field of interest. Include ‘systematic review’ as a search term to find systematic reviews in your discipline.