What is a systematic review?

A systematic review is a rigorous and methodical approach to compiling and analyzing research on a specific question or topic. Its primary goal is to provide a comprehensive overview by synthesizing findings from multiple studies, which helps to draw generalizable conclusions based on the collective evidence. This process involves clearly defined criteria for selecting studies, a systematic search strategy for finding relevant research, and a structured method for assessing the quality of the included studies.

By integrating findings from various studies, a systematic review can highlight trends, patterns, and consensus in the literature, making it a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and policy-makers who are looking for evidence-based guidance. This type of review is particularly important in fields such as healthcare, where evidence synthesis can influence practice and inform decision-making.