Show pageBacklinksCite current pageExport to PDFBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== Systematic Review Protocol ====== A [[systematic review]] [[protocol]] is a predefined plan that outlines the rationale, objectives, and [[method]]s of a planned [[systematic review]]. It serves as a methodological [[roadmap]] and helps ensure [[transparency]], **[[rigor]]**, and **[[reproducibility]]** in evidence synthesis. === Key Components === * **Research question** (often in [[PICO]] format) * **Inclusion and [[exclusion criteria]]** * **Databases and search strategies** * **[[Data extraction]] and management plans** * **Risk of [[bias assessment tool]]s** * **Planned analyses** (including meta-analysis, if applicable) * **Timeline and dissemination plan** === Purpose === * Minimize bias by committing to a methodology before knowing the results * Facilitate peer review and external input early in the process * Allow for registration in platforms like [[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/|PROSPERO]] ====== How to Perform a Systematic Review Protocol ====== A **systematic review protocol** is a structured plan that outlines how a [[systematic_review|systematic review]] will be conducted. It helps minimize bias and ensures transparency and reproducibility. This guide follows standard methodology recommended by [[prisma|PRISMA-P]] (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols). === Step-by-Step Process === ==== 1. Define the Research Question ==== Use the [[pico|PICO format]]: * **P**opulation: Who is being studied? * **I**ntervention: What is being tested? * **C**omparator: What is the control or alternative? * **O**utcome: What results are being measured? ==== 2. Register the Protocol ==== * Recommended: [[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/|PROSPERO]] * Includes title, background, methods, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and update strategy ==== 3. Develop the Search Strategy ==== * Choose databases: e.g., PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library * Include grey literature if needed * Define search terms and Boolean operators ==== 4. Define Eligibility Criteria ==== * Study design (e.g., RCTs, observational studies) * Language and date limits * Population characteristics * Intervention and outcome specifics ==== 5. Plan the Study Selection Process ==== * Use two independent reviewers * Screening titles/abstracts → full texts * Resolve conflicts through consensus or third reviewer ==== 6. Data Extraction ==== * Create standardized extraction forms * Collect data on: - Study characteristics - Participants - Interventions - Outcomes - Results ==== 7. Assess Risk of Bias ==== Use a [[bias_assessment_tool|risk of bias tool]] appropriate for the study design: * [[rob2|RoB 2]] for RCTs * [[robins_i|ROBINS-I]] for non-randomized studies * [[amstar2|AMSTAR 2]] for other reviews ==== 8. Plan the Data Synthesis ==== * Qualitative (narrative) synthesis * Quantitative synthesis (e.g., [[meta_analysis|meta-analysis]]) if data are comparable * Subgroup or sensitivity analysis if applicable ==== 9. Ethics and Dissemination ==== * Ethical approval not typically required for secondary data * Plan for publishing in peer-reviewed journals or open-access platforms === Template Registration Fields (Example) === * Title * Background and rationale * Objectives * Eligibility criteria * Information sources and search strategy * Data management * Selection and extraction process * Bias assessment * Strategy for data synthesis * Timeline systematic_review_protocol.txt Last modified: 2025/04/10 06:56by 127.0.0.1