Скачать или смотреть Key Stages for a Protocol And Systematic Review Completion | Prof. Muhammad Asif Ch.

A *systematic review* is a rigorous, methodical process that aims to synthesize all available evidence on a specific research question or topic. To ensure the review is transparent, comprehensive, and reproducible, it must follow a well-defined protocol. The key stages for developing and completing a systematic review can be outlined as follows:

1. *Developing a Review Protocol*
A systematic review begins with the development of a detailed review protocol. This protocol serves as a roadmap for the entire review process and ensures transparency and consistency. The key components of a review protocol include:

**Review Question(s)**: Define a clear, focused research question based on the PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) or other relevant criteria.
**Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria**: Specify which studies will be included based on factors such as study design, population characteristics, and intervention type. Also, outline the criteria for excluding studies.
**Search Strategy**: Describe the search terms, databases, and other resources that will be used to identify relevant studies. This should include the dates of the search and any restrictions.
**Data Management**: Plan how to manage data, including how studies will be stored, tracked, and coded.
**Outcome Measures**: Define the key outcomes that will be measured and analyzed in the review.
**Method of Analysis**: Outline how data will be extracted, synthesized, and analyzed, including the use of statistical techniques (e.g., meta-analysis) if applicable.

The protocol may be registered in platforms like **PROSPERO**, an international database for systematic review protocols, to ensure transparency.

2. *Literature Search and Study Selection*
Once the protocol is established, the next step is to conduct a comprehensive literature search. This stage involves:

**Database Searching**: Conduct systematic searches in relevant electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus) using predefined search terms and filters.
**Additional Sources**: Check other sources like grey literature (conference proceedings, theses), clinical trial registries, and reference lists of relevant articles to minimize publication bias.
**Study Screening**: After collecting potential studies, screen them for eligibility based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria established in the protocol. This step typically involves reviewing titles, abstracts, and full-text articles.

It’s important that at least two independent reviewers conduct the screening process to minimize bias.

3. *Data Extraction*
Once eligible studies have been identified, data must be extracted. This involves:

**Data Collection**: Extract relevant information from each study, including study characteristics (e.g., authors, year, country), participant demographics, interventions, outcomes, and study design.
**Standardized Extraction Form**: Using a pre-designed data extraction form to ensure consistency and completeness. This form helps to record both qualitative and quantitative data.
**Discrepancies**: Resolve any discrepancies between reviewers through discussion or by involving a third reviewer to ensure accuracy.

4. *Assessment of Study Quality*
The next step is to assess the risk of bias or methodological quality of the included studies. Common quality assessment tools include:

**Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool**: Used for randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
**Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS)**: Often used for observational studies.
**ROBINS-I Tool**: For assessing risk of bias in non-randomized studies.

This stage is crucial for evaluating the reliability of the findings from each study, as studies with high risk of bias can undermine the quality of the systematic review's conclusions.

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