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Evidence Synthesis: Systematic Review

What is a Systematic Review?

Systematic reviews collect identify, appraise, and synthesize all available evidence to answer a well-formulated research question using explicit, reproducible methodology.

Required elements of a systematic review:

  • A team of more than two people
  • Reproducible and transparent collection of evidence 
  • Two screening phases
  • Documentation of included and excluded studies
  • Critical appraisal of all included studies

Organizations with Systematic Review Manuals

Cochrane and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) are organizations that support evidence-based health decisions with systematic review information.

Reporting Guidelines

Conducting a Systematic Review: An Overview of the Process - NLM

Running Time (56.37 mins.)

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TelephoneDowners Grove, IL (630) 515-6200
TelephoneGlendale, AZ (623) 572-3308
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Reading List

  1. Boland A, Cherry MG, Dickson R. Doing a systematic review: a student's guide. 2nd ed. SAGE; 2017.
  2. Foster M J, Jewell S T. Assembling the pieces of a systematic review: guide for librarians. Rowman & Littlefield; 2017.
  3. Haile ZT. Critical appraisal tools and reporting guidelines. J Hum Lact. 2022;38(1):21-27. doi:10.1177/08903344211058374
  4. Nelson HD. Systematic Reviews to answer health care questions. 2nd ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2025.
  5. PLoS Medicine Editors. Best practice in systematic reviews: the importance of protocols and registration. PLoS Med. 2011;8(2):e1001009. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001009
  6. Stellrecht E, Samuel A, Maggio LA. A reader’s guide to medical education systematic reviews. J Grad Méd Educ. 2022;14(2):176-177. doi:10.4300/jgme-d-22-00114.1
  7. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Standards for Systematic Reviews of Comparative Effectiveness Research; Eden J, Levit L, Berg A, et al., editors. Finding what works in health care: standards for systematic reviews. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2011.
  8. Patel JJ, Hill A, Lee ZY, Heyland DK, Stoppe C. Critical appraisal of a systematic review: a concise review. Crit Care Med. 2022;50(9):1371-1379. doi:10.1097/CCM.0000000000005602

Downers Grove Campus Library
(630) 515-6200
Littlejohn Hall
555 31st St. Downers Grove, IL 60515

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Glendale Campus Library
(623) 572-3308
Sahuaro Hall
19555 N. 59th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308

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