Literature Searching

A systematic review is an approach used in health, education and social policy (as part of evidence based policy or practice). It's much more than a 'literature review' - it follows a strict and rigorous methodology. The aim is to identify, select, synthesize and appraise all high quality research evidence relevant to a particular topic.

Five steps to writing a Systematic Review

1. Formulate your question.
2. Search for studies. 
3. Assess the quality of studies.
4. Summarise the evidence.
5. Interpret the findings.

Have a look at these links for further info:

EPPI Centre: What is a Systematic Review?

Bandolier: What is ...? A systematic review

Forgotten what a research term means? Have a look at NICE Glossary.

Use the PRISMA flow diagram to help identify, screen and assess eligiblility of systematic reviews.

For more information, have a look at these articles:

• The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate healthcare interventions: explanation and elaboration
• Preferred reporting items for systematic revies and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement

• Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [CDSR]

  via The Cochrane Library

• Other databases for finding systematic reviews:

• Campbell Library
• Prospero: international prospective register of systematic reviews
• PubMed Clinical Queries
• Subject specific databases as appropriate: Medline  and CINAHL (EbscoHOST) all have review filters listed under Clinical Queries in the Limits section – this will limit to systematic reviews
• Joanna Briggs Library

  Available through Knowledge Network

Evidently Cochrane is a blog which makes Cochrane evidence accessible, encouraging discussion on new and updated health topics. Useful resource for anyone interested in finding quality evidence to inform decisions about health.

The Campbell Collaborative produces systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis for evidence-based policy and practice in in education and social policy.