How To Conduct A Systematic Review and Write-Up in 7 Steps (Using PRISMA, PICO and AI)

Learn how to conduct a systematic review in 7 steps using PRISMA, PICO, and AI. The process includes defining the research question, developing the review protocol, conducting the search, screening the studies, assessing quality, extracting and synthesizing data, and presenting findings. Utilize tools like the PICO framework, Prisma checklist, and AI methods wizard for efficiency. Follow these steps meticulously to ensure a thorough and accurate systematic review.

Takeaways

• 📝 Start by defining your research question using the PICO framework for quantitative research or a modified version for qualitative research.
• 🔍 Develop a review protocol detailing your search strategy, including data extraction, limitations, and inclusion/exclusion criteria.
• 🔎 Conduct a thorough search using databases like PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Medline, and don't forget to consider gray literature.
• 📚 Screen the studies for relevance and assess the quality of the papers using a specific checklist.
• 📊 Extract data and synthesize it into graphs, tables, and flow charts to illustrate the findings.
• 📈 Present your findings in a structured format that includes an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, references, and an appendix.
• 💡 Use the PRISMA checklist to ensure all parts of a systematic review are covered.
• 🔑 Identify keywords and search terms that will yield the most relevant papers for your review.
• 🔗 Utilize tools like the Methods Wizard and WordFreak to assist in generating your methods section and identifying commonly used words in your field.
• 📉 Create a PRISMA flow diagram to visually represent the process of study selection and exclusion.
• 📝 Include a detailed methods section in your review, which can be facilitated by using an AI tool to generate this part of your paper.

Q & A

What are the seven steps for writing a systematic review?

The seven steps for writing a systematic review are: 1) Define the research question, 2) Develop the review protocol, 3) Conduct the search, 4) Screen the studies, 5) Assess the quality of the papers, 6) Extract data and synthesize, and 7) Present your findings.

What is the Pico framework and how is it used?

The Pico framework is a tool used to define a research question. It stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome. It helps to structure the research question by identifying the specific group of people (population), the intervention being studied, the comparison group or condition, and the outcome or effect that is being measured.

How does the Pico framework differ for qualitative research?

For qualitative research, the Pico framework changes slightly, with the 'O' representing 'context' instead of 'outcome'. This allows for a focus on the setting or circumstances in which the research is conducted.

What is the purpose of developing a review protocol?

The purpose of developing a review protocol is to outline the exact method for searching through databases to find relevant papers and literature that will help answer the research question. It includes data extraction, limitations, exclusion and inclusion criteria, and other important aspects of the search methodology.

What are some strategies for identifying keywords for a systematic review search?

Strategies for identifying keywords include brainstorming, using a thesis, utilizing search engines, and using tools like WordFreak which analyzes a library of papers to identify the most commonly used words.

Why is it important to record the search limits used during a systematic review search?

Recording the search limits is important because it documents the scope of the search and ensures transparency in the search process. This information is crucial for replicating the search or for understanding why certain papers were included or excluded.

What is the Methods Wizard tool and how does it assist in the systematic review process?

The Methods Wizard is an AI tool that helps in systematically inputting and organizing the details of the methods section for a systematic review. It allows users to input information about study selection, data extraction, analysis, and eligibility criteria, and then generates a complete methods section.

How can gray literature be relevant to a systematic review?

Gray literature, which includes non-peer-reviewed papers, conference proceedings, government reports, and more, can be relevant to a systematic review if it provides important information related to the research question. It needs to be assessed for quality and relevance just like peer-reviewed literature.

What is the PRISMA diagram and how does it help in the systematic review process?

The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) diagram is a flow diagram that visually represents the process of identifying, screening, and selecting studies during a systematic review. It helps to document the number of studies at each stage and provides a clear record of the search process.

How can the risk of bias in studies be assessed during a systematic review?

The risk of bias can be assessed using tools that evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the studies, as well as potential biases. One such tool mentioned is an AI-based tool that generates a review showing potential biases in the studies included in the systematic review.

What are the key differences between synthesizing data for qualitative and quantitative systematic reviews?

In qualitative systematic reviews, the focus is on generating codes, identifying themes, and understanding the non-numerical data, whereas in quantitative reviews, the focus is on statistical analysis, numbers, and often representing data through methods like forest plots.

What does the systematic review blank template include and how does it help in writing a systematic review?

The systematic review blank template includes sections for abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusions, references, and appendices. It helps by providing a structured outline to fill in with the relevant information from the review, ensuring that all necessary components are included and organized.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Systematic Review Writing

The video aims to guide those who are stuck on where to start with writing a systematic review. It outlines a seven-step process covering research, writing, and analysis. The presenter also offers an ebook template with steps and a blank template for structuring a review, including sections and chapters. The Pico framework is introduced as a tool for defining the research question, with examples provided for both quantitative and qualitative research.

05:00

🔍 Developing a Review Protocol and Conducting the Search

The second step involves developing a review protocol, which includes identifying keywords and search terms. The presenter discusses the importance of using specific terms and synonyms to ensure a comprehensive search. They also mention the use of the Prisma checklist and a 'methods wizard' tool to assist in creating a systematic review. Conducting the search is detailed with three approaches: line by line, block by block, and Boolean operators. The need to test and refine the search strategy is emphasized.

10:01

📉 Screening, Assessing Quality, and Synthesizing Data

The third step is about screening search results for eligibility using a Prisma diagram. The quality of studies is then assessed for potential biases, using a risk bias tool. The presenter discusses the importance of considering gray literature and provides tips on how to include and assess it. Data extraction and synthesis are covered, highlighting the differences between qualitative and quantitative research, and suggesting methods for representing data, such as forest plots for quantitative and thematic analysis for qualitative.

15:03

📝 Presenting Results and Template Overview

The final step is presenting the systematic review, which includes sections like abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, references, and an appendix. A blank template for a systematic review is provided, with instructions on how to use and update it. The presenter emphasizes the challenges of the systematic review process and the importance of careful keyword selection and tracking of all steps. They also offer the template for download to assist viewers in their own systematic review writing.

Keywords

Systematic Review

A systematic review is a comprehensive and rigorous summary of existing research on a particular topic. It involves a systematic search for, and critical evaluation of, all available research on a particular question or topic to provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge. In the video, the process of conducting a systematic review is broken down into seven steps, emphasizing the importance of a structured approach to synthesize and present research findings.

PRISMA

PRISMA stands for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. It is a guideline that provides a minimum set of items for reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The video mentions the use of a PRISMA checklist to ensure all necessary components are included in the systematic review process.

PICO

PICO is a framework used to formulate answerable questions in evidence-based practice. It stands for Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome. The video uses the PICO framework to demonstrate how to define a research question for a systematic review, with examples provided for both quantitative and qualitative research.

Data Extraction

Data extraction is the process of collecting data from research studies that have been identified as relevant to the review question. This involves systematically identifying, selecting, and extracting research findings that meet the inclusion criteria. In the video, data extraction is mentioned as a part of the review protocol and is essential for the analysis and synthesis of the review.

Search Strategy

A search strategy is a plan for systematically searching databases and other sources to find relevant literature for a systematic review. The video discusses the importance of identifying keywords, synonyms, and terms to input into search bars, as well as the use of Boolean operators and search limits to refine the search process.

Quality Assessment

Quality assessment involves evaluating the methodological rigor and potential biases of the studies included in a systematic review. The video mentions using a specific checklist to assess the quality of papers, which is crucial for determining the reliability and validity of the research findings.

Data Synthesis

Data synthesis is the process of summarizing and interpreting the findings from a body of research. It involves identifying patterns, themes, and relationships across studies. The video distinguishes between quantitative and qualitative data synthesis, with examples such as using a forest plot for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

Gray Literature

Gray literature refers to material that is not formally published in peer-reviewed journals or books but may still contain valuable information relevant to a systematic review. The video advises including gray literature such as conference proceedings, government reports, and non-peer-reviewed papers if they are pertinent to the research question.

Flow Diagram

A flow diagram is a visual representation used to outline the process of study selection in a systematic review. It shows the number of studies identified, screened, eligible, and included in the review. The video mentions the use of a PRISMA flow diagram to document the search process and results.

Methods Wizard

The Methods Wizard is an AI tool mentioned in the video that assists in generating the methods section of a systematic review. It allows users to input various details about their study, such as study selection criteria and data extraction methods, and then automatically compiles this information into a formatted methods section.

Risk of Bias

Risk of bias refers to the likelihood that the design, conduct, or analysis of a study may have distorted the results. The video discusses using a tool to assess the risk of bias in studies, which is important for evaluating the credibility of the research findings included in the systematic review.

Highlights

The video provides a seven-step guide to writing a systematic review, including research, writing, and analysis processes.

An ebook template is offered, featuring steps and a blank template for systematic review sections and chapters.

The importance of defining a clear research question using the PICO framework is emphasized for both quantitative and qualitative research.

The video introduces the Pico framework for formulating research questions, with examples provided for clarity.

Developing a review protocol involves identifying keywords, synonyms, and search terms for database searches.

The Methods Wizard tool is highlighted as an AI-powered assistant for creating the methods section of a systematic review.

Conducting the search involves line-by-line and block-by-block approaches, with Boolean operators for combining search terms.

The necessity of testing and refining the search strategy to maximize relevance and quality of results is discussed.

Gray literature, such as unpublished papers and conference proceedings, is identified as an important but often overlooked source.

Screening results for eligibility using the PRISMA diagram is shown as a critical step in the systematic review process.

Assessing the quality of studies using a risk bias tool provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of included research.

Data extraction and synthesis are key for identifying themes and patterns across studies in both qualitative and quantitative reviews.

For quantitative research, representing data through a forest plot is a recommended method for displaying results.

The presentation of results in a systematic review includes an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusion, references, and an appendix.

A systematic review blank template is provided to assist in organizing and presenting findings in a structured report.

The video stresses the importance of careful keyword selection and search strategy to avoid missing critical information.

The systematic review process is acknowledged as challenging, requiring meticulous attention to detail and thorough documentation.

The presenter offers a template download link for those interested in supporting the content and streamlining their review process.