Systemic Reviews

Systematic reviews provide a complete, exhaustive summary of current evidence relevant to a medical topic.

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uses systematic methods to collect secondary data, critically appraise research studies, and synthesize findings qualitatively or quantitatively.[1] 

Systematic reviews formulate research questions that are broad or narrow in scope, and identify and synthesize studies that directly relate to the systematic review question.[2] 

 

For example, systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials are key to the practice of evidence-based medicine,[3] and a review of existing studies is often quicker and cheaper than embarking on a new study.

While systematic reviews are often applied in the biomedical or healthcare context, they can be used in other areas where an assessment of a precisely defined subject would be helpful.[4] Systematic reviews may examine clinical tests, public health interventions, environmental interventions,[5] social interventions, adverse effects, and economic evaluations.[6][7]

An understanding of systematic reviews and how to implement them in practice is highly recommended for professionals involved in the delivery of health care, public health and public policy.[8]