An introduction to carrying out and appraising systematic reviews in healthcare

Abstract

Systematic literature reviews remain one of the most trusted sources of evidence used to inform policy and clinical decision-making. The proliferation of academic publications makes reviews increasingly essential to practitioners and policy makers as they enable them to rapidly access high-quality evidence synthesised from multiple sources. Knowledge and awareness of the structure and components of a systematic review can aid in the production of high-calibre reviews and improve the ability to appraise their quality. An overview of the main stages of carrying out a review is presented here along with frameworks and methodological considerations that will aid those producing or appraising systematic reviews.