Methods and guidance on conducting, reporting, publishing and appraising living systematic reviews: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Background: The living systematic review (LSR) approach is based on an ongoing surveillance of the literature and continual updating. A few guidance documents address the conduct, reporting, publishing and appraisal of systematic reviews (SRs), but the methodology described is either not up-to date or not suitable for LSRs and misses additional LSR-specific considerations. The objective of this scoping review is to systematically collate methodological literature and guidance on how to conduct, report, publish and appraise the quality of LSRs. The scoping review will allow the mapping of the existing evidence on the topic to support LSRs authors seeking guidance and identify related gaps. Methods: To achieve our objectives, we will conduct a scoping review to survey and evaluate existing evidence, using the standard scoping review methodology. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane using the OVID interface. The search strategy was developed by a researcher experienced in developing literature search strategies with the help of an information specialist. As for searching grey literature, we will seek existing guidelines and handbooks on LSRs from organizations that conduct evidence syntheses using the Lens.org website. Two review authors will extract and catalogue the study data on LSR methodological aspects into a standardized and pilot-tested data extraction form. The main categories will reflect proposed methods for (i) conducting LSRs, (ii) reporting of LSRs, (iii) publishing and (iv) appraising the quality of LSRs. Data synthesis and conclusion: By collecting these data from methodological surveys and papers, as well as existing guidance documents and handbooks on LSRs, we might identify specific issues and components lacking within current LSR methodology. Thus, the systematically obtained findings of the scoping review could be used as basis for the revision of existing methods tools on LSR, for instance a PRISMA statement extension for LSRs.

Characteristics of Living Systematic Review for COVID-19

“…The specific protocol of PRISMA for LSR had been published, and it is claimed that PRISMA for LSR would be part of the PRISMA extension. 9 In contrast, there are still several limitations in this study. First, the methodological quality and reporting quality of LSR has not been considered in this study.…”

“…The specific protocol of PRISMA for LSR had been published, and it is claimed that PRISMA for LSR would be part of the PRISMA extension. 9 …”

“…6 As high-level evidence in evidence-based medicine, a systematic review (SR) acts as a bridge to connect research outcomes and clinical practice, providing a reference for clinical practitioners to contribute quick and accurate decisions. [7][8][9] Although the methodology of SR is relatively mature, its updating mechanism for publication is immature. 10 Once literature been published, only a few SRs were updated within two years.…”

Extension of the PRISMA 2020 statement for living systematic reviews (LSRs): protocol

“…• Scoping review of the methodological literature on LSRs 10 This scoping review examines methodological guidance for conducting, reporting, and publishing LSRs (protocol available 10 ). Results from this review will be used to identify issues pertinent to the reporting of LSRs.…”

Extension of the PRISMA 2020 statement for living systematic reviews (LSRs): protocol

“…The practice of authors aids in identifying relevant items that may not have been addressed in the PRISMA 2020 checklist. Scoping review of the methodological literature on LSRs 10 This scoping review examines methodological guidance for conducting, reporting, and publishing LSRs (protocol available 10 ). Results from this review will be used to identify issues pertinent to the reporting of LSRs.…”