How to Write a Systematic Literature Review

Systematic literature review definition

A systematic literature review (SLR) is a rigorous and comprehensive method for synthesizing scientific evidence to answer a specific research question. Let’s explore the key aspects of SLRs:

What is a systematic literature review in details

• Purpose: An SLR aims to provide a transparent and reproducible summary of all relevant published evidence related to a specific topic.
• Approach: Unlike traditional literature reviews, which rely on authors’ expertise, SLRs follow a scientific process. They systematically search for, select, and evaluate studies to minimize bias.

Systematic Review vs Literature Review

Let’s explore the differences between a systematic review and a literature review:

Systematic Review:

Definition: A systematic review is a type of review that uses repeatable methods to find, select, and synthesize all available evidence related to a specific research question.
Purpose: It aims to provide a comprehensive and unbiased overview of existing research on a particular topic.
Process:

• Formulate a clear research question.
• Develop a protocol outlining the review process.
• Conduct an exhaustive search for relevant studies.
• Apply strict selection criteria to include or exclude studies.
• Extract data from selected studies.
• Synthesize the evidence (narratively or quantitatively).
• Publish a detailed report.

Example: Dr. Robert Boyle and colleagues conducted a systematic review on the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing eczema symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with eczema.
Key Features: Formal, transparent, and designed to minimize bias.

Literature Review:

Definition: A literature review provides a general overview of existing research on a topic. It does not necessarily follow strict methods like a systematic review.
Purpose: It summarizes and evaluates existing literature, identifies gaps, and highlights trends.
Process:

• Collect relevant studies.
• Summarize key findings.
• Analyze themes, theories, and concepts.
• Identify gaps or areas for further research.

Key Features: Less formal, broader scope, and often used to inform research directions.
While a systematic review focuses on exhaustive evidence synthesis using rigorous methods, a literature review provides a broader understanding of existing research without the same level of formality.

Systematic Literature Review Methodology

Steps in an SLR:

• Formulate a Research Question: Clearly define the research question or topic of interest.
• Develop a Protocol: Create a detailed plan outlining search strategies, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and data extraction methods.
• Search for Relevant Studies: Conduct a comprehensive search across databases, journals, and other sources.
• Apply Selection Criteria: Evaluate studies based on predefined criteria (e.g., study design, quality).
• Extract Data: Collect relevant information from selected studies.
• Synthesize Data: Combine findings from different studies to form a cohesive narrative.
• Write and Publish a Report: Document the process, findings, and conclusions.

Guidelines:

• The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews provides widely used guidelines for conducting SLRs.

Applicability:

• SLRs are most common in medical and public health research, but they can be used in other disciplines as well.
• They evaluate the quality of evidence and provide reliable conclusions.

Example:

• Dr. Robert Boyle and colleagues conducted an SLR on the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing eczema symptoms and improving quality of life. Based on their systematic analysis, they concluded that probiotics cannot be recommended for eczema management.

SLRs are powerful tools for evidence-based decision-making, ensuring transparency, and advancing research across various fields.

Systematic Literature Review Structure

Let’s explore the systematic literature review template and key steps involved in conducting a systematic review:

Designing the Question:

• Begin by formulating a clear research question. Define the scope, objectives, and key concepts related to your topic.
• For example, if you’re investigating the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing eczema symptoms, your question might be: “What is the effectiveness of probiotics in patients with eczema?”

Analytic Framework:

• Develop an analytic framework that outlines the key components of your review. This framework guides your search strategy and data synthesis.
• Consider factors such as study design, population, interventions, outcomes, and comparators.

Evidence Mapping:

• Systematically search for relevant studies using predefined criteria. Common databases include PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science.
• Apply inclusion and exclusion criteria to select studies that align with your research question.

Data Extraction:

• Extract relevant data from the selected studies. This includes study characteristics, outcomes, and quality assessment.
• Use standardized forms to ensure consistency.

Synthesizing the Evidence:

• Synthesize the data from different studies. This can be done narratively (qualitative synthesis) or quantitatively (meta-analysis).
• Evaluate the quality of evidence using established guidelines.

Systematic Review Template:

A systematic review article typically follows this order:

• Title and Abstract: Concisely summarize the review’s purpose and findings.
• Introduction: Clearly state the research question and provide context.
• Methods: Describe the search strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria, data extraction, and quality assessment.
• Results: Present the synthesized evidence, including key findings.
• Discussion: Interpret the results, discuss limitations, and suggest implications.
• References: Cite all relevant studies.

Meta-Analysis:

• If applicable, conduct a meta-analysis. This involves statistically combining data from multiple studies to estimate overall effects.
• Meta-analyses enhance precision and provide pooled effect estimates.

Collaboration and Transparency:

• Systematic reviews are often collaborative efforts involving a team of researchers.
• Transparency is crucial. Document each step thoroughly to ensure reproducibility.

Conducting a systematic review requires careful planning and a commitment to unbiased analysis.

An Example of a Well-Done SLR

A well-executed systematic literature review (SLR) is characterized by a clear research question, a comprehensive search strategy, rigorous study selection, and critical appraisal of the evidence. Here’s systematic literature review example:

Title: “The Effectiveness of Probiotics in Reducing Eczema Symptoms and Improving Quality of Life”

Research Question: What is the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing eczema symptoms and improving the quality of life in patients with eczema?

Methodology:

• Search Strategy: The researchers conducted a thorough search across multiple databases to find studies related to probiotics and eczema.
• Selection Criteria: They included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effectiveness of probiotics in eczema patients.
• Data Extraction: Relevant data from the selected studies were systematically extracted, including study design, participant characteristics, interventions, and outcomes.
• Quality Assessment: Each study was assessed for quality using standardized tools to ensure reliability and validity of the findings.
• Data Synthesis: The results were synthesized to determine the overall effectiveness of probiotics on eczema symptoms and quality of life.

Findings: The review concluded that, based on the evidence, probiotics cannot be recommended for reducing eczema symptoms or improving quality of life in patients with eczema.
Significance: This SLR provided a comprehensive and unbiased summary of the available evidence, which is crucial for healthcare professionals and patients in making informed decisions about the use of probiotics for eczema.

This example illustrates the meticulous process involved in conducting an SLR and the importance of transparency and methodological rigor in synthesizing research evidence.

How to choose the right databases for a literature search?

When conducting a literature search, selecting the right databases is crucial to ensure comprehensive coverage and relevant results. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the most appropriate databases for your literature search:

• Define Your Research Question: Start by clearly defining your research question or topic. Understand the key concepts and terms related to your area of interest.
• Identify Key Concepts: Break down your research question into key concepts. Consider synonyms, related terms, and variations. For example, if your topic is “effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions,” key concepts might include “mindfulness,” “interventions,” and “effectiveness.”
• Consider Synonyms: Think about synonyms and alternative terms for each key concept. These variations will help you cast a wider net during your search. For instance, “mindfulness” could also be referred to as “mindful practices” or “mind-body techniques.”
• Choose Relevant Databases: Different databases specialize in various subject areas. Consider the scope and coverage of each database. Commonly used databases for health-related topics include:
  PubMed: A comprehensive biomedical database.
  Embase: Covers biomedical and pharmacological literature.
  MEDLINE: A subset of PubMed, focusing on medical literature.
  Web of Science Core Collection: Includes scientific journals across disciplines.
  Google Scholar: A broad search engine for scholarly articles.
  Depending on your topic, you might also explore specialized databases like CINAHL (for nursing and allied health) or PsycINFO (for psychology).
• Combine Databases: To maximize your search results, use a combination of databases. A recommended minimum combination includes Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar. This combination ensures adequate and efficient coverage for systematic reviews and other research projects.
• Seek Expert Advice: Consult with librarians or information specialists who have expertise in your field. They can provide valuable insights on effective search techniques and relevant databases.

The choice of databases involves a mix of knowledge, intuition, and practical considerations. By following these steps, you’ll be better equipped to conduct a thorough literature search and retrieve relevant evidence for your research.

How to Do a Systematic Literature Review with Professional Help

When it comes to choosing a literature review writing service, there are several factors to consider. Let’s explore some key points to help you make an informed decision:

• Specialization and Expertise: Look for a service that specializes in literature reviews. These services often have writers with expertise in various fields who can provide high-quality content tailored to your research topic. Verify that the writers are verified academic professionals with relevant qualifications.
• Customization: Ensure that the service offers personalized literature reviews based on your specific research requirements. Customization is essential to align the review with your topic and objectives.
• Plagiarism Guarantee: Confirm that the service guarantees plagiarism-free work. Request a plagiarism report if needed. Originality is crucial for academic integrity.
• Delivery Time: Discuss the turnaround time for your literature review. Timely delivery is essential, especially if you have deadlines to meet.
• Customer Reviews and Reputation: Check online reviews and testimonials from other clients. A reputable service will have positive feedback and a track record of satisfying customers.

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