Systematic Review and Network Analysis Process Diagram

Welcome to the interactive process map.

This tool was developed by the St. Michael’s hospital KT program. We have a defined and rigorous process for all our systematic reviews.

This process map takes you through the steps to conduct a systematic review. Click on the individual steps for more information about each step.

Systematic review and network meta-analysis process diagram
Develop Research Question using PICOST Determine Eligibility Criteria Plan Literature Search Perform Literature Search Starting a Systematic Review Level 1 Screening: Titles and Abstracts Level 2 Screening: Full Text Articles Develop Data Abstraction Form Abstract Data Critical Appraisal and Assessment Summarize Study and Patient Characteristics Synthesize the Results Presentation of Results Prepare Manuscript End-of-Review Knowledge Translation Systematic Review Protocol Development

Plan Literature Search

• Ask a librarian to develop the search to ensure relevant keywords and search strategies are used for a comprehensive search; peer-review by another librarian

 

Additional Resources

Cochrane Handbook Section 2.6.4: Designing search strategies

PRESS Peer Review of Electronic Search Strategies: 2015 Guideline Statement. McGowan J et al. 2016. J Clin Epidemiol.

Level 1 Screening: Titles and Abstracts

• Pilot test to assess accuracy and usability of eligibility criteria developed for the Level 1 screening process with a small sample of studies

• Screening of all titles and abstracts by two independent reviewers. Conflicts usually resolved by discussion

 

Additional Resources

Cochrane Handbook Section 2.7.2: Selecting studies 

Centre for Reviews and Dissemination: 1.3.2 Study Selection

Identifying relevant studies for systematic reviews. Dickersin et al. 1994. BMJ.

Oxman AD, Guyatt GH. The science of reviewing research. 1993. Ann N Y Acad Sci.

Level 2 Screening: Full Text Articles

• Pilot test to assess accuracy and usability of eligibility criteria developed for the Level 2 screening process with a small sample of studies

• Screening of all full text articles by two independent reviewers. Conflicts usually resolved by discussion

 

Additional Resources

Cochrane Handbook Section 2.7.2: Selecting studies 

Identification of randomized controlled trials in systematic reviews: Accuracy and reliability of screening records. Edwards P et al. 2002. Statist Med.

Many scenarios exist for selective inclusion and reporting of results in randomized trials and systematic reviews. Page MJ et al. 2013. J Clin Epidemiol. 

Develop Data Abstraction Form

Summarize Study and Patient Characteristics

• Use tables and text to describe study and patient characteristics

 

Additional Resources

Cochrane Handbook Section 2.11.2.2: Characteristics of included studies tables

Prepare Manuscript

• Include background, methods, results, and discussion; may involve key stakeholders/audience

 

Additional Resources

PRISMA Statement

Cochrane Handbook Section 2.11: Presenting results and ‘Summary of findings’ tables

Cochrane Handbook Section 2.12: Interpreting results and drawing conclusions

 

Systematic Review Protocol Development