BMC Medical Research Methodology (Dec 2019)

Recommendations to conduct and report systematic reviews in medical literature: a scoping review

  • Ana Penedones,
  • Carlos Alves,
  • Francisco Batel-Marques

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-019-0870-1
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 19, no. 1
pp. 1 – 14

Abstract

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Abstract Background This scoping review aims to identify, review and characterize the published recommendations to conduct and/or to report a systematic review in medical interventions area. Methods A search was carried out in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases, using systematic reviews search filters. The search comprises all recommendations to conduct and/or report a systematic review. Data on methods were extracted from each recommendation. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results Eighty-three recommendations were identified. Approximately 60% of retrieved references were published in the last 6 years. Recommendations to both conduct and report a systematic review were issued in 47% studies. The guidance presented in each recommendation to conduct and/ or report a systematic review varied. Almost 96% of the recommendations offer guidance on systematic review methods section. The need and time for updating was only recommended in 29% of recommendations. Forty percent of recommendations endorsed their methods to any subject related to medical interventions. Half of the studies did not specify the design of studies to be included in a systematic review. Conclusions Several recommendations to conduct and/or report a systematic review were published and offered different guidance. Further research on the impact of such heterogeneity can improve systematic reviews quality.

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