How to get started with a systematic review in epidemiology: an introductory guide for early career researchers
How to get started with a systematic review in epidemiology: an introductory guide for early career researchers
Background: systematic review is a powerful research tool which aims to identify and synthesize all evidence relevant to a research question. The approach taken is much like that used in a scientific experiment, with high priority given to the transparency and reproducibility of the methods used and to handling all evidence in a consistent manner.
Early career researchers may find themselves in a position where they decide to undertake a systematic review, for example it may form part or all of a PhD thesis. Those with no prior experience of systematic review may need considerable support and direction getting started with such a project. Here we set out in simple terms how to get started with a systematic review.
Discussion: advice is given on matters such as developing a review protocol, searching using databases and other methods, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and data synthesis including meta-analysis. Signposts to further information and useful resources are also given.
Conclusion: a well-conducted systematic review benefits the scientific field by providing a summary of existing evidence and highlighting unanswered questions. For the individual, undertaking a systematic review is also a great opportunity to improve skills in critical appraisal and in synthesising evidence.
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Denison, H.J.
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Dodds, R.M.
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Ntani, G.
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Cooper, R.
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Cooper, C.
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Sayer, A.A.
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Baird, Janis
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7 August 2013
Denison, H.J.
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Dodds, R.M.
2f7c0dea-4cd7-4f91-9fd2-a5ff20706870
Ntani, G.
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Cooper, R.
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Cooper, C.
e05f5612-b493-4273-9b71-9e0ce32bdad6
Sayer, A.A.
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Baird, Janis
f4bf2039-6118-436f-ab69-df8b4d17f824
Denison, H.J., Dodds, R.M., Ntani, G., Cooper, R., Cooper, C., Sayer, A.A. and Baird, Janis
(2013)
How to get started with a systematic review in epidemiology: an introductory guide for early career researchers.
Archives of Public Health, 71 (1), .
(doi:10.1186/0778-7367-71-21).
(PMID:23919540)
Abstract
Background: systematic review is a powerful research tool which aims to identify and synthesize all evidence relevant to a research question. The approach taken is much like that used in a scientific experiment, with high priority given to the transparency and reproducibility of the methods used and to handling all evidence in a consistent manner.
Early career researchers may find themselves in a position where they decide to undertake a systematic review, for example it may form part or all of a PhD thesis. Those with no prior experience of systematic review may need considerable support and direction getting started with such a project. Here we set out in simple terms how to get started with a systematic review.
Discussion: advice is given on matters such as developing a review protocol, searching using databases and other methods, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and data synthesis including meta-analysis. Signposts to further information and useful resources are also given.
Conclusion: a well-conducted systematic review benefits the scientific field by providing a summary of existing evidence and highlighting unanswered questions. For the individual, undertaking a systematic review is also a great opportunity to improve skills in critical appraisal and in synthesising evidence.
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Published date: 7 August 2013
Organisations:
Faculty of Medicine
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Local EPrints ID: 362083
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/362083
ISSN: 2049-3258
PURE UUID: 7673fda8-cd14-48f5-a8a8-c4016f748954
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Date deposited: 14 Feb 2014 09:47
Last modified: 18 Mar 2024 02:56
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Author:
H.J. Denison
Author:
R.M. Dodds
Author:
R. Cooper
Author:
A.A. Sayer
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