SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Meaning and
Definition
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A systematic review is a comprehensive and rigorously conducted evaluation of existing research studies or data on a specific topic or research question. It involves a meticulous and well-defined process for identifying, selecting, evaluating, and summarizing relevant literature or evidence from a variety of sources. The main objective of a systematic review is to provide a concise and unbiased synthesis of all available evidence in order to answer a specific research question.
The process of conducting a systematic review involves several key steps. Firstly, a detailed protocol is developed, outlining the research question, search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and methods for quality assessment and data extraction. Then, a systematic search is conducted across multiple databases, including both published and unpublished literature, to identify all relevant studies. The identified studies are then screened and selected based on predetermined criteria. Afterward, the selected studies undergo a rigorous and transparent assessment of their quality and risk of bias.
Following this, the data from the selected studies are extracted and synthesized using statistical or narrative techniques. The results are presented in a clear and concise manner, considering both the strengths and limitations of the included studies. Lastly, conclusions are drawn based on the synthesized evidence and the implications for practice, policy, or further research are discussed.
Overall, a systematic review is considered the highest level of evidence and provides a reliable and comprehensive overview of the existing research on a particular topic. It is a crucial tool for evidence-based decision-making and assists researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in making informed choices.
Etymology of SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
The word "systematic review" originated from the Greek word "σύστημα" (systēma), which means "a whole compounded of several parts or members". The term "systematic" comes from the Latin word "systematicus", which means "relating to a system". "Review", on the other hand, comes from the Middle English word "revisen" or "revise", which means "to survey or examine again". When combined, "systematic review" refers to a methodical approach in surveying and examining a body of literature or evidence to answer a specific research question.
