Systematic Literature Review Guide
Master PRISMA methodology for rigorous, reproducible literature reviews. From protocol development to synthesis—a complete roadmap.
The PRISMA 2020 Framework
PRISMA provides a structured approach to conducting and reporting systematic reviews. Follow these four phases for a rigorous literature review.
Phase 1: Identification
Search databases and other sources to identify potential studies
Key Tasks:
- Define search terms and Boolean operators
- Search multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, etc.)
- Search grey literature and reference lists
- Export all records to reference manager
- Remove duplicates
Phase 2: Screening
Apply inclusion/exclusion criteria to filter relevant studies
Key Tasks:
- Screen titles and abstracts
- Obtain full-text articles for eligible studies
- Screen full-text against inclusion criteria
- Document reasons for exclusion
- Resolve disagreements between reviewers
Phase 3: Eligibility
Assess remaining studies for final inclusion
Key Tasks:
- Full-text assessment against all criteria
- Quality appraisal using appropriate tools
- Risk of bias assessment
- Document final inclusion decisions
- Create PRISMA flow diagram
Phase 4: Inclusion
Extract and synthesize data from included studies
Key Tasks:
- Design data extraction form
- Extract study characteristics
- Extract outcome data
- Synthesize findings (narrative or meta-analysis)
- Assess certainty of evidence
Quality Appraisal Tools
Select the appropriate critical appraisal tool based on the study designs in your review.
Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2)
Randomized controlled trials
Randomization, deviations, missing data, measurement, selection
ROBINS-I
Non-randomized studies of interventions
Confounding, selection, classification, deviations, missing data, measurement, reporting
Newcastle-Ottawa Scale
Observational studies (cohort, case-control)
Selection, comparability, exposure/outcome
CASP Checklists
Various study designs including qualitative
Validity, results, relevance
JBI Critical Appraisal
Multiple study designs
Design-specific criteria for methodological quality
Building Your Search Strategy
Step 1: Define Key Concepts
Break your research question into 2-4 key concepts. For each concept, identify:
- Subject headings (MeSH, Emtree, PsycINFO thesaurus terms)
- Keywords (synonyms, related terms, alternate spellings)
- Truncation (e.g., nurs* for nurse, nurses, nursing)
Step 2: Combine with Boolean Operators
(concept1 terms OR synonyms)
AND
(concept2 terms OR synonyms)
AND
(concept3 terms OR synonyms)
Pro Tip
Use OR within concepts (to broaden) and AND between concepts (to narrow). Save your search strategy in each database—you'll need it for your methods section.
Step 3: Adapt for Each Database
Each database has different syntax and subject heading systems. Document your adapted search for each:
Common Systematic Review Mistakes
Vague or overly broad research question
Use PICO/SPIDER to focus your question. A focused question leads to a manageable, rigorous review.
Searching only one or two databases
Search at least 3 databases plus grey literature. Different databases index different journals.
Not documenting the search process
Save and date every search. You need exact search strings and result counts for PRISMA reporting.
Inconsistent application of inclusion criteria
Create a detailed eligibility checklist. Pilot test on 10-20 records and refine before full screening.
Skipping quality appraisal
Quality assessment isn't optional. Use appropriate tools and report findings even if all studies are included.
Narrative synthesis without structure
Use frameworks like SWiM (Synthesis Without Meta-analysis) to structure narrative synthesis rigorously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Expert Help with Your Systematic Review?
Our research methodology specialists can help you design your protocol, develop search strategies, and ensure PRISMA compliance.
Related Resources
Explore more resources in our Literature Review collection