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Introduction to Systematic Reviews

In: Principles and Practice of Clinical Trials

Author

Listed:
  • Tianjing Li

    (University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Ophthalmology)

  • Ian J. Saldanha

    (Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice and Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health)

  • Karen A. Robinson

    (Johns Hopkins University, Department of Medicine)

Abstract

A systematic review identifies and synthesizes all relevant studies that fit prespecified criteria to answer a research question. Systematic review methods can be used to answer many types of research questions. The type of question most relevant to trialists is the effects of treatments and is thus the focus of this chapter. We discuss the motivation for and importance of performing systematic reviews and their relevance to trialists. We introduce the key steps in completing a systematic review, including framing the question, searching for and selecting studies, collecting data, assessing risk of bias in included studies, conducting a qualitative synthesis and a quantitative synthesis (i.e., meta-analysis), grading the certainty of evidence, and writing the systematic review report. We also describe how to identify systematic reviews and how to assess their methodological rigor. We discuss the challenges and criticisms of systematic reviews, and how technology and innovations, combined with a closer partnership between trialists and systematic reviewers, can help identify effective and safe evidence-based practices more quickly.

Suggested Citation

  • Tianjing Li & Ian J. Saldanha & Karen A. Robinson, 2022. "Introduction to Systematic Reviews," Springer Books, in: Steven Piantadosi & Curtis L. Meinert (ed.), Principles and Practice of Clinical Trials, chapter 109, pages 2159-2177, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-319-52636-2_194
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52636-2_194
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