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Systematic Review Guide

A systematic review is a structured and comprehensive synthesis of available evidence on a specific question, using clearly defined methods to identify, select and critically appraise relevant studies. A systematic review must have:

  • a clearly stated set of objectives with pre-defined eligibility criteria for studies;
  • an explicit, reproducible methodology;
  • a systematic search that attempts to identify all studies that would meet the eligibility criteria;
  • an assessment of the validity of the findings of the included studies, for example through the assessment of risk of bias; and
  • a systematic presentation, and synthesis, of the characteristics and findings of the included studies."

Deciding if a systematic review is appropriate for you means evaluating whether the research question, available evidence, purpose and available resources justify conducting a full systematic review. 

Why is it important to consider if a systematic review is appropriate for your study?

  • They require significant time, expertise, and coordination to complete properly.
  • They require at least 2 team members. 
  • Not all questions need a systematic review – some may be better suited to a scoping review, narrative review, or rapid review.
  • High methodological standards are required and poor-quality reviews can mislead rather than clarify evidence.
  • The topic must have sufficient research. Without enough studies, a full systematic review may not be feasible.

How do I determine if a systematic review is appropriate?

There are a variety of tools to help you decide:

Example
Ravi, an occupational therapist, wants to explore how virtual reality is being used in stroke rehabilitation. After checking existing reviews, he realises that the research is highly varied, with different technologies, outcomes, and patient populations. Because the evidence is too broad and heterogeneous to allow for meaningful comparison or synthesis, he decides that a scoping review, which maps the range and types of available evidence rather than evaluating effectiveness, would be more appropriate.

Recommended resources:

Study Designs Chatbot

The systematic review team is a group of researchers and experts who collaboratively plan, conduct, and report the review. The team typically includes subject specialists, information professionals or librarians, methodologists, and reviewers.

Why is it important to have a team on your systematic review?

  • Improves accuracy and reduces bias – multiple reviewers ensure objective screening and data extraction.
  • Combines expertise by bringing together clinical, methodological, statistical and librarian skills.
  • Supports transparency and quality control by enabling cross-checking and consensus on decisions.
  • Ensures the workload is manageable – systematic reviews are time- and labour-intensive.

Who do I need on my systematic review team?

Type of expertise Description
Content expertise
  • Subject matter experts on the topic area under review.
  • The Cochrane Handbook recommends that teams should consist of members from more than one discipline in order to incorporate relevant perspectives.
Methodological expertise
  • Experience with systematic review methodology. 
  • The Cochrane Handbook states that review authors should work closely, from the start of the protocol, with an experienced medical librarian.
Statistical expertise
Example
Dr. Nguyen, a cardiologist, plans to conduct a systematic review on the effectiveness of digital cardiac rehabilitation programmes for patients after heart attack. She contacts the hospital library to include a health librarian as a co-author to design and document a robust search strategy and methodology.
Her review team also includes a biostatistician to assist with data analysis, a physiotherapist to provide clinical context on rehabilitation, and a junior doctor to help with screening and data extraction.
Together, the multidisciplinary team ensures the review is methodologically sound, clinically relevant, and meets publication standards.

Recommended resources:

Ask a Librarian to join your systematic review

Authorship flowchart

Monash Health Library Support

Monash Health employees can request systematic review support from the Library team including co-authorship via this form:

Request research support

All research support options are summarised in this one-page PDF.

Library Research Support Services

If you have any questions about your systematic review, or another research project, contact the Library team via our live online chat, phone (03) 9594 2600, or email to library@monashhealth.org.