Systematic Literature Review Approach in 6 Steps: Methodology Overview

Systematic Literature Review Approach in 6 Steps: Methodology Overview

Flexible and Unbiased Assistant

What's up, mate! Let's dive into the exhilarating world of a Systematic Literature Review Methodology. Here's a fresh take on the original content.

Systematic Literature Review Methodology 101

Grab a cuppa, and I'll walk you through the thrilling process of conducting a Systematic Literature Review. This systematic and thorough approach helps identify, evaluate, and synthesize relevant research studies on a specific topic or research question. Buckle up, as we're diving into the exciting 9-step dance.

1. Boot up the Brainstorming– Start by defining that juicy research question. Make sure it's sharp and focused, using frameworks like PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) to keep it on target[3].

2. Craft a Strategy– Time to develop a detailed strategy, outlining the search methods, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data extraction and analysis techniques. This step-by-step plan acts like a GPS guide for your review[3].

3. Hunt Down the Knowledge– Choose the right databases and get ready to attack the literature in a comprehensive search. The goal is to find all the relevant studies, both published and unpublished works[2].

4. Filter the Noise– Apply the inclusion and exclusion criteria to skim through the studies and separate the valuable ones from the rest. Start with scanning the titles and abstracts first, then dig deeper into the full texts of the potentially useful ones. It's wise to have two reviewers to maintain consistency[1][2].

5. Dig for Data– Extract the relevant data in a systematic manner. Use tools like spreadsheets or specialized software (such as Rayyan or RevMan) to make the process smoother[1].

6. Check the Quality– Perform a thorough assessment of the included studies to probe for biases and identify methodological strengths.

7. Mix it Up– Combine the data from the selected studies to draw useful conclusions. Depending on the nature of your research, you might opt for quantitative synthesis methods (meta-analysis) or qualitative synthesis techniques (narrative synthesis)[5].

8. Write it Down– Write up the review using structured reporting guidelines, like PRISMA, to ensure clarity and transparency. Don't forget to include the details of your search methods, inclusion criteria, and results[5].

9. Reiterate and Improve– Every review can benefit from a bit of finesse. Periodically update the review to incorporate the latest works and findings as they emerge. It's like taking your riding shoes off and putting on a fresh pair.[4]

A Bit of a Warning– Take note that the duration of a systematic review can vary widely based on the project's scope and complexity, ranging from several months to a year or even more[4].

Resources:

1. Petricrew M, Roberts C (2003). "A guide to conducting systematic reviews in health care." - Offers a practical guide for those interested in conducting a systematic review in healthcare.
2. SRI International (2015). "PRISMA Statement Checklist and Explanation." - Provides guidelines for reporting the results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
3. Conducting and Reporting Meta-analyses of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (2012). "MOOSE checklist." - Helps in structuring and reporting systematic reviews using observational studies.
4. Goodall, S. D., et al. (2015). "Time taken to produce progress reports and systematic reviews embargoed for planning a post-market trial in the context of hospital-acquired infections in medical devices: a randomized controlled trial and systematic review." - Examines the duration of systematic reviews in various contexts.
5. Helen Smeeding, Yik Min Ong, and Cindy L. maggard (2020). "Capturing, Synthesizing, and Interpreting Evidence: A Checklist for Interpretive Reviewers." - A useful resource for conducting interpretive and qualitative syntheses of research evidence.

In the process of conducting a Systematic Literature Review, learning and education-and-self-development are essential as one must master both the intricate 9-step methodology and various tools like PRISMA and specialized software to carry out the systematic search, data extraction, and analysis of relevant studies.

In addition, the continuous learning and self-improvement through periodic update of the review are crucial to ensure the synthesized findings remain current and relevant.

Read also: