Systematic reviews are a type of evidence synthesis which formulate research questions that are broad or narrow in scope, and identify and synthesize data that directly relate to the systematic review question. Systematic reviews are often designed to provide an exhaustive summary of current evidence relevant to a research question. Some systematic reviews critically appraise research studies, and synthesize findings qualitatively or quantitatively. 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.

Systematic reviews may examine clinical tests, public health interventions, environmental interventions, social interventions, adverse effects, qualitative evidence syntheses, methodological reviews, policy reviews, and economic evaluations.

Al Maktoum Medical Library offers high quality resources and services that support researchers to conduct systematic review.

The following databases are recommended when conducting a systematic review. Some databases may or may not be relevant depending on your discipline and review topic.

• Cochrane Library
• Medline Complete
• Scopus
• CINAHL
• PsycInfo
• SportDiscus
• Wiley Online Library
• Elsevier Databases

Librarian provides support to conduct systematic review by;

• Framing a research question
• Formulate and analyzing the research question – using PICO or PEO
• Developing a search strategy
• Guidance on identifying and using the resources
• Managing the process
• Use of referencing and creating reference library

Systematic Review Tutorials:

The library has created instructional videos on how to perform a systematic review. These videos will guide you through the essential steps and methodologies involved in undertaking a systematic review, ensuring that you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct high-quality evidence synthesis.

The instructional videos has two parts;

Part 1 of the video covers the basic introduction about systematic review, standards, tools, different research designs, role of IRB, types of systematic reviews, role of literature review and resources.

Click here to watch Systematic Review Part I – Introduction to Systematic Review

Part 2 covers the steps involved and in conducting literature  review for systematic review like introduction to research question, PICO analysis, study question/design selection, role of information specialist of the process, Formulation of research team, review protocol, review protocol components, literature search, inclusion and exclusion criteria, avoiding bias, data mining, meta analysis, data interpretation and how to write a systematic review

Click here to watch Systematic Review Part II – How to Conduct Systematic Review