A systematic review uses explicit methods to perform a comprehensive literature search and critical appraisal of selected studies, using appropriate statistical techniques.
Key characteristics of a systematic review are:
A systematic review may include a meta analysis, which uses quantitative methods to synthesize and summarize the results.
Read these articles for more information on different types of reviews:
Reproduced from: Bettany-Saltikov, J. (2010). Learning how to undertake a systematic review: Part 1. Nursing Standard, 24(40): p. 47-55.
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Systematic Review |
Literature Review |
|---|---|---|
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Question |
Focused on a single question |
Not necessarily focused on a single question, but may describe an overview |
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Protocol |
A peer review protocol or plan is included |
No protocol is included |
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Background |
Both provide summaries of the available literature on a topic |
|
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Objectives |
Clear objectives are identified |
Objectives may or may not be identified |
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Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria |
Criteria stated before the review is conducted |
Criteria not specified |
|
Search Strategy |
Comprehensive search conducted in a systematic way |
Strategy not explicitly stated |
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Process of Selecting Articles |
Usually clear and explicit |
Not described in a literature review |
|
Process of Evaluating Articles |
Comprehensive evaluation of study quality |
Evaluation of study quality may or may not be included |
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Process of Extracting Relevant Information |
Usually clear and specific |
Not clear or explicit |
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Results and Data Synthesis |
Clear summaries of studies based on high quality evidence |
Summary based on studies where the quality of the articles may not be specified. May also be influenced by the reviewer's theories, needs and beliefs |
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Discussion |
Written by an expert or group of experts with a detailed and well grounded knowledge of the issues |
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