Interested in conducting a systematic review? The Health Sciences Library’s Systematic Review Lunchtime Summer Workshop Series will get you started in eight bite-sized sessions. Sign up for all of them, or just the ones you need.
This free virtual series will provide researchers in any discipline with the tools and resources to confidently navigate the systematic review process.
Those who attend all 8 sessions will receive an HSL certificate in systematic review methods!
This series is intended for individuals and research teams who are planning to conduct a systematic review or want more information about systematic reviews. No prior knowledge or experience with systematic reviews is required.
You must be a UNC-Chapel Hill or UNC Medical Center affiliate to register.
No! All sessions will be hosted virtually via Zoom by librarians and systematic review experts from the Health Sciences Library.
We’ve broken down the systematic review process from ideation through publication into eight one-hour lessons. Each lunchtime session runs from noon to 1 p.m.
A recurring calendar invite and zoom link will be sent out to all registrants.
Register at: https://go.unc.edu/SRSummerSeries2023
Questions? Email Sophie Nachman at the Health Sciences Library: asophie@live.unc.edu
Before beginning a systematic review, consider whether it is the best type of review for your question, goals, and resources. The table below compares a few different types of reviews to help you decide which is best for you.
Systematic Review | Scoping Review | Systematized Review |
---|---|---|
Conducted for Publication | Conducted for Publication | Conducted for Assignment, Thesis, or (Possibly) Publication |
Protocol Required | Protocol Required | No Protocol Required |
Focused Research Question | Broad Research Question | Either |
Focused Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria | Broad Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria | Either |
Requires Large Team | Requires Small Team | Usually 1-2 People |
Systematic reviews follow established guidelines and best practices to produce high-quality research. Librarian involvement in systematic reviews is based on two levels. In Tier 1, the librarian will collaborate with researchers in a consultative manner. In Tier 2, the librarian will be an active member of your research team and co-author on your review. Roles and expectations of librarians vary based on the level of involvement desired. Examples of these differences are outlined in the table below.
Role | Tasks | Tier 1: Consultative | Tier 2: Research Partner / Co-author |
---|---|---|---|
Topic Development | Guidance on process and steps | Yes | Yes |
Background searching for past and upcoming reviews | Yes | Yes | |
Development of Eligibility Criteria | Development and/or refinement of review topic | Yes | Yes |
Assistance with refinement of PICO (population, intervention(s), comparator(s), and key questions | Yes | Yes | |
Guidance on study types to include | Yes | Yes | |
Protocol Creation and Registration | Guidance on protocol registration | Yes | Yes |
Searching | Identification of databases for searches | Yes | Yes |
Instruction in search techniques and methods | Yes | Yes | |
Training in citation management software use for managing and sharing results | Yes | Yes | |
Development and execution of searches | No | Yes | |
Downloading search results to citation management software and removing duplicates | No | Yes | |
Documentation of search strategies | No | Yes | |
Management of search results | No | Yes | |
Study Selection and Extraction | Guidance on methods | Yes | Yes |
Guidance on data extraction, and management techniques and software | Yes | Yes | |
Writing and Publishing | Suggestions of journals to target for publication | Yes | Yes |
Drafting of literature search description in "Methods" section | No | Yes | |
Creation of PRISMA diagram | No | Yes | |
Drafting of literature search appendix | No | Yes | |
Review other manuscript sections and final draft | No | Yes | |
Librarian contributions warrant co-authorship | No | Yes |
Researchers are conducting systematic reviews in a variety of disciplines. If your focus is on a topic other than health sciences, you may want to also consult the resources below to learn how systematic reviews may vary in your field. You can also contact a librarian for your discipline with questions.
Education
Environmental Topics
Social Sciences
Social Work
Software engineering
Sport, Exercise, & Nutrition
Updating reviews
Our legacy guide was used June 2020 to August 2022