Definition: A systematic review is a transparent, reproducible, objective, and comprehensive search of the literature focusing on a well-formulated research question. Systematic reviews are conducted by following a set of well-defined procedures and may involve meta-analysis.
Aim: To identify, appraise, select, and synthesize high-quality evidence relevant to that specific question.
Key characteristics:
Strengths: Using highly systematic and robust methods reduces bias in the gathering, summarizing, presenting, interpreting, and reporting of the research evidence. Brings together all known knowledge including published and unpublished literature. Very low risk of bias.
Drawbacks/Limitations: Time-consuming and can take approximately 12-18 months from protocol to publication.
Systematic reviews are not limited to medicine and healthcare. They are also used in psychology, education, sociology, agriculture, nutrition, business, STEM, and other fields.
Source: Research Shorts. (2017, May 24). Conducting a systematic literature review [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUErib-fXV0
Systematic Reviews in Educational Research by 
Evidence-Based Software Engineering and Systematic Reviews by 
Finding What Works in Health Care by 
Systematic Reviews: CDR's Guidance for Undertaking Reviews in Health Care by 
Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions by 
How to Do a Systematic Literature Review in Nursing by
"This is an excellent book which explains clearly the principles and practice of systematic reviews. The order of contents is logical, information is easy to find and the contents are written for a wide audience from student to practitioner. There are copious examples and illustrations and these should inspire confidence in the novice and remind the expert what the essential features of a good systematic review are. This book should be on every undergraduate and postgraduate reading list for courses on research methods." Roger Watson, Professor of Nursing, The University of Hull, UK "This book provides a clear and concise guide for students to produce a systematic review of evidence in health care ... The material is presented as a logical series of steps starting with developing a focussed question up to completing the review and disseminating its findings ... To facilitate the review a number of blank forms are presented for the reader to copy and complete in relation to the topic which they are pursuing ... I would wholly recommend this text." Ian Atkinson, previously Senior Lecturer in Research Methods & Assistant Editor Journal of Clinical Nursing Does the idea of writing a systematic literature review feel daunting? Are you struggling to work out where to begin? By walking you carefully through the entire process from start to finish and breaking the task down into manageable steps, this book is the perfect workbook companion for students undertaking their first literature review for study or clinical practice improvement. Co-published with the Nursing Standard, this handy book: Goes into detail about the precise and practical steps required to carry out a systematic literature review Uses a workbook format, with 3 running examples that you can work through gradually as you carry out your review Offers suggestions and tips to help you write up your own review Features useful templates to help you stay organised and includes case-studies to identify good practice Highlights the pitfalls to avoid Written in an engaging, conversational style with clear explanations throughout, How to do a Systematic Literature Review in Nursing is invaluable reading for all nursing students as well as other healthcare professionals.
Finding and Evaluating Evidence by 
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis by 
