Systematic reviews aim to address the problems by identifying, critically evaluating, and integrating the findings of all relevant, high-quality individual studies addressing one or more research questions.
A review of a clearly formulated question that uses systematic and explicit methods to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research, and to collect and analyze data from the studies that are included in the review (Cochrane Collaboration, 2014).
Why Systematic Reviews?
An efficient way to access the body of research
Systematic Reviews are efficient, bringing together the whole body of research answering a specific question, and saving readers the time and expertise required to locate, appraise, and interpret the results.
Explore differences between studies. Unlike a single study, a systematic review can help us explore the differences between studies, identifying those factors that influence the effect of an intervention.
A reliable basis for decision making
- unbiased selection of relevant information
- useful for health care, policy, future research
A way to identify research gaps in our current understanding of a field
A way to find methodological concerns which need to address in the future research
It also provides insight into a relevant question whether there is any need for further research or not, if needed what should be done.
The process of conducting a review itself is beneficial for the new researchers as it refines their knowledge on the area of interest, helps in developing new research ideas, provides a chance to learn critical analysis and how to synthesize the existing literature.