A systematic review is a high-level overview of primary research on a particular research question that tries to identify, select, synthesize and appraise all high quality research evidence relevant to that question in order to answer it. – Definition from Cochrane Collaboration
A clearly stated set of objectives with pre-defined eligibility criteria for studies:
[Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, 2011]
| Month | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 – 2 | Preparation of protocol |
| 3 – 8 | Searches for published and unpublished studies |
| 2 – 3 | Pilot test of eligibility criteria |
| 3 – 8 | Inclusion assessments |
| 3 | Pilot test of ‘Risk of bias’ assessment |
| 3 – 10 | Validity assessments |
| 3 | Pilot test of data collection |
| 3 – 10 | Data collection |
| 3 – 10 | Data entry |
| 5 – 11 | Follow up of missing information |
| 8 – 10 | Analysis |
| 1 – 11 | Preparation of review report |
| 12 – | Keeping the review up-to-date |
Source: Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 6.5 2024. The Cochrane Collaboration, Browse the Cochrane Handbook Online
