What are Systematic Reviews?
Systematic reviews attempt to provide an overview of primary research on a particular topic of interest that use explicit and reproducble methods to minimise bias. The main crux of a systematic review is the literature search, if all the evidence (both published and unpublished) is not considered the results of the review will be flawed.
How do they differ from a Review?
A review article may be selective in the choice of research to review in order to support a particular viewpoint. They may not be explicit about the types of studies included.
What are the advantages of Systematic Reviews?
- Aim to minimise the bias of a review (e.g. publication and language bias)
- Explicit in the research process
- Allow control over a mass of research literature
- They can save you time locating all the evidence on a particular topic
What are the disadvantages of Systematic Reviews?
- Can be broad in the nature of the topic under review
- May disguish important differences in individual studies included
- Can be difficult to generalise the results to a specific population because of the scope
Where can I find them?
The Cochrane Library contains 2 systematic review databases - The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews are full text systematic reviews undertaken by The Cochrane Collaboration. Generally they look at examining the effectiveness of health care interventions.
The Database of Abstracts of Effects (DARE) can also be searched via The Cochrane Library (known as 'Other reviews') or via The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Short critically appraised summaries of the systematic review are provided.
The Joanna Briggs Institute links to references of systematic reviews, whose eclectic nature is popular with many nurse managers. The focus is on clinically and economically appropriate and effective healthcare outcomes for clients and communities.
TRIP (turning Research into Practice) allows you to filter references to systematic reviews from a wide range of Evidence Based Resources.
The Healthcare Databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL etc) all contain references to systematic reviews. In PubMed you can use the limit function to narrow down your search to Systematic Reviews.
More information on Systematic Reviews including the Research Methodology and Critical Appraisal of Systematic Reviews can be found on the Introduction to Systematic Reviews/Meta-analysis Workshop at Aintree Library (dates to be confirmed at the end of November and will be advertised via the blog).
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