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Emory University
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Emory University
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What are systematic and scoping reviews?
A systematic review is a systematic, methodological search for an analysis of all literature that answers a specific research question. Systematic reviews must follow strict rules in their execution and reporting. The research question that forms the basis of a systematic review may ask whether a particular intervention works for particular problem, or whether a program works to reduce instances of a particular problem. Systematic reviews are concerned with the outcomes of studies on a particular topic.
A scoping review is a systematic, methodological search for an analysis of the state of the evidence for a given topic, and identifies gaps where further research is needed. Scoping reviews must follow strict rules in their execution and reporting. The research question that forms the basis of a scoping review may ask what interventions are being implemented to solve a particular problem, or what aspects of a problem or intervention are being studied. Scoping reviews are concerned with what research is currently being done on a topic.
Systematic and scoping reviews are types of synthesized evidence, and represent the highest level of evidence in health research.
Resources
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Doing a Systematic Review
by
ISBN: 9781473967007Publication Date: 2017-11-23Written in a friendly, accessible style by an expert team of authors with years of experience in both conducting and supervising systematic reviews, this is the perfect guide to using systematic review methodology in a research project. It provides clear answers to all review-related questions, including: How do I formulate an appropriate review question? What's the best way to manage my review? How do I develop my search strategy? How do I get started with data extraction? How do I assess the quality of a study? How can I analyse and synthesize my data? How should I write up the discussion and conclusion sections of my dissertation or thesis?
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Cochrane Handbook of Systematic ReviewsThe Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions is the official guide that describes in detail the process of preparing and maintaining Cochrane systematic reviews on the effects of healthcare interventions. All authors should consult the Handbook for guidance on the methods used in Cochrane systematic reviews. The Handbook includes guidance on the standard methods applicable to every review (planning a review, searching and selecting studies, data collection, risk of bias assessment, statistical analysis, GRADE and interpreting results), as well as more specialised topics (non-randomized studies, adverse effects, complex interventions, equity, economics, patient-reported outcomes, individual patient data, prospective meta-analysis, and qualitative research).
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JBI Manual for Evidence SynthesisThis manual guides authors who wish to conduct systematic and scoping reviews following JBI methodologies. Each chapter is devoted to the synthesis of different types of evidence to address different types of clinical and policy-related questions. JBI is an international evidence-based healthcare organisation that works with 90+ Universities, Health Facilities and NGOs (known as the JBI Collaboration) worldwide. The organisation focuses on improving health outcomes globally by producing and disseminating research evidence, software, training, resources and publications relating to evidence-based healthcare. Learn about the JBI approach to evidence-based healthcare.