Educational Resources Librarian
Research and Writing Support Librarian
Introduction
Part of the PCOM Library's mission is to assist researchers and academic professionals with systematic reviews. If you need help with a systematic review or have questions about how to start, the resources the PCOM Library has curated in this LibGuide should help. The PCOM Librarians are prepared to help you in a consultant role if you need to speak with us about your project.
- Kevin Bradford, MLS
- Meghan Di Rito Wegendt, MLIS
Definition of a Systematic Review
A systematic review distinguishes itself from a typical literature review by employing a comprehensive, methodical, transparent, and reproducible search strategy. The aim is to ensure that the conclusions are as unbiased and accurate as possible. According to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, a systematic review strives to identify, assess, and synthesize all relevant empirical evidence that meets predefined eligibility criteria to address a specific research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews adhere to explicit methods designed to minimize bias, producing more reliable findings that can inform decision-making. Key components include:
- Formulating a research question beforehand
- Clearly defining the review's scope
- Creating clear inclusion and exclusion criteria
- Making diligent efforts to locate all relevant research
- Screening found material
- Extracting data
- Addressing potential bias in included studies
- Analyzing the identified studies objectively to draw impartial conclusions
- Ensure PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines are being followed
Available Consultation at the PCOM Library
Systematic Review Support
Librarians can provide consultation and training on various aspects of the systematic review process. This support typically includes 1-2 meetings.
Consultation and Training Services
- Offer an overview of the systematic review process
- Educate the research team on Systematic Review standards (PRISMA, Cochrane)
- Assist in formulating a research question
- Recommend relevant databases for searching
- Provide training on using RefWorks for citation management
- Guide access to full-text articles through the library collections and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) when needed
Librarians will collaborate with you and offer advice on the areas outlined above. Due to the time-intensive nature of systematic reviews, which can take a year or more, librarians cannot provide search execution or methodological services.