Living Systematic Review

A living systematic review (LSR) is a type of systematic review that is continually updated as new research becomes available. It is designed for rapidly evolving fields, where timely evidence synthesis is critical for decision-making.

Unlike traditional reviews, LSRs are dynamic and incorporate emerging studies through frequent surveillance of the literature.

Key Features

Continuous or frequent literature search
Regular updates to include new studies
Use of predefined protocols
Transparent version tracking (e.g., update logs, timestamps)
Often supported by automation tools and databases

When to Use

Fields with high publication rates (e.g., COVID-19, AI in medicine)
Topics with high clinical or policy relevance
Areas where up-to-date guidance is essential for patient care

Benefits

Keeps evidence current
Supports living clinical guidelines
Reduces duplication of effort over time

Challenges

Requires dedicated infrastructure and funding
Labor-intensive unless automated
Needs continuous engagement from authors and editors

Comparison Table

Type	Update Frequency	Typical Use	Stability
Systematic Review	Static (one-time)	General synthesis	Fixed
Rapid Review	One-time, urgent	Policy, emergencies	Fixed
Living Systematic Review	Frequent/real-time	Fast-moving topics	Dynamic

Related Concepts

living_review systematic_review dynamic_review continuous_updates evidence_based_medicine