What should be clearly defined to evaluate a systematic review effectively?

To evaluate a systematic review effectively, it is essential that the inclusion and exclusion criteria are clearly defined. These criteria specify the parameters for which studies will be considered for inclusion in the review, such as population characteristics, types of interventions, outcomes measured, and study designs. This transparency allows readers to understand how the review was conducted, assess the validity of the findings, and evaluate whether the results are applicable to their own contexts. Clear criteria also help in replicating the review process and ensure a comprehensive approach to gathering evidence, ultimately leading to more reliable conclusions.