Systematic Literature Reviews

This guide provides an overview of the processes involved in finding and managing information sources for use in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

The following definitions comes from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, Version 6.1.

"Systematic reviews seek to collate evidence that fits pre-specified eligibility criteria in order to answer a specific research question. They aim to minimize bias by using explicit, systematic methods documented in advance with a protocol." (chapter 1)

"Meta-analysis is the statistical combination of results from two or more separate studies." (chaptet 10)

A systematic review is a major commitment.

• Expect the systematic review or meta-analysis to take lots of time
• Plan everything out before starting
• Meet with a librarian to discuss some of the necessary tools, including (but not limited to) ...
  • Databases to find the relevant publications
  • Citation management tools such as EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero
  • Systematic reviews software such as Rayyan (free) or Covidence (fee-based)
• Read a guidebook on systematic reviews
• Make sure that everyone knows who is responsible for backing-up files, etc.

Cornell University Library's "What Type of Review Is Right for You?" can help you think through whether or not to embark on a systematic review or meta-analysis.