What is the principle of "systematic review" in Evidence-Based Practice?

The principle of "systematic review" in Evidence-Based Practice is defined as a methodical approach to searching, collecting, and synthesizing research evidence. This refers to a structured and comprehensive process that aims to minimize bias by using explicit and reproducible methods to gather relevant studies on a specific question or topic.

In conducting a systematic review, researchers typically formulate a clear research question, establish predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and use systematic methods to search for studies in the literature. They then assess the quality of the studies identified and synthesize the findings in a way that provides a reliable summary of the existing evidence. This rigorous approach allows practitioners to make informed decisions based on the best available evidence, ensuring that the conclusions drawn are as objective and trustworthy as possible.

This process is critical in Evidence-Based Practice because it allows healthcare providers to integrate research findings systematically into their clinical decision-making, leading to improved patient outcomes.