Systematic reviews are syntheses of multiple studies on the same topic that meet pre-defined inclusion criteria, thereby increasing confidence in the research findings. Unlike traditional narrative literature reviews, systematic reviews follow an established methodology aimed at minimizing bias and increasing transparency and research reproducibility. When conducted by a team in accordance with established methodology, systematic reviews provide evidence that clinicians, patients, and health consumers can use to make decisions. Although modern systematic review methodology originated in medicine, headed by the Cochrane Collaboration (Our Story, https://www.cochrane.org/about-us/our-story), they are now utilized in many disciplines including nursing, social sciences, education, and environmental studies.
This session will provide an overview of the history, purpose, and strength of systematic reviews and outline their basic methodology. We will provide tips on how librarians and health consumers can locate, access, and evaluate systematic reviews to use in their health (or health care) research and decision-making.
