What is the aim of systematic reviews in evidence appraisal?

The aim of systematic reviews in evidence appraisal is to summarize all available evidence on a given topic. A systematic review follows a structured methodology that rigorously identifies, evaluates, and synthesizes the findings from relevant studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence. This synthesis allows researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions based on a broad understanding of the research landscape, highlighting the strength of the evidence, addressing any gaps, and guiding future research priorities.

In contrast to merely expressing personal opinions, which lacks objectivity, systematic reviews focus on compiling and analyzing data from various studies. They also do not select research designs for future studies, as that is a different objective related to research planning. While critiquing individual studies for methodological flaws can be a part of the systematic review process, the primary aim is to aggregate findings to inform practice and further research comprehensively.