====== What Are Systematic Reviews? ======
** Systematic Review **
// A systematic review answers a defined research question by collecting and summarizing all empirical evidence that fits pre-specified eligibility criteria. //
* Systematic review = study of studies
* Systematic reviews collect and summarize the literature surrounding a topic
* Systematic reviews evaluate individual studies and analyze the findings
* Systematic reviews are useful for learning about general topics and relevant research
** How Are Systematic Reviews Conducted? **
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A great way to approach the development of systematic reviews (and meta-analyses) is to break them down into smaller and more simple executable tasks. [[https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10654-019-00576-5|"A 24-Step Guide on How to Design, Conduct, and Successfully Publish a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Medical Research"]] is a helpful paper that provides authors with concrete steps to follow when starting the systematic review and/or meta-analysis process. These steps can be placed into the following general categories:
** Define and design **
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**Search and collect**
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**Extract, evaluate, and consult "experts in the field" of interest**
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**"Summarize and explain findings"**
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** Check publication bias and evidence quality **
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**Submit for publication**
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References
Muka, T., Glisic, M., Milic, J. //et al.// A 24-step guide on how to design, conduct, and successfully publish a systematic review and meta-analysis in medical research. //Eur J Epidemiol//**35, **49–60 (2020). [[https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-019-00576-5|https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-019-00576-5]]