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Systematic Reviews & Evidence Synthesis Methods

This is a guide to understanding systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis methods. Links to resources and information about the Libraries' Systematic Review Service is included.

Request a Consultation with a Librarian

If you are planning to conduct a systematic review or evidence synthesis project, consider meeting with one of the Systematic Review Service Librarians. Librarians are masters at creating search strategies and manipulating databases, which is where you will be gathering data for your review. 

Reporting Standards

Resources for developing a systematic review

Systematic review reporting standards

  • PRISMA - The minimum set of items for reporting in published systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
  • PRISMA-P - The minimum set of items for reporting in published systematic review and meta-analysis protocols.
  • MOOSE (Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology: a proposal for reporting) - PDF
  • MECIR (Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews) - Standards for the reporting of new Cochrane Intervention Reviews
  • PRESS (Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies)
  • STARLITE Statement - Standards for reporting literature searches
  • Institute of Medicine's Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust - includes systematic review development process

Quality Assessment

Checklists for quality assessment of studies