Steps Involved in Conducting a Systematic Review of the Literature

Introduction

A systematic review of the literature is more than just an academic exercise — it’s a structured, transparent process for gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing all relevant research on a focused question.

Whether in healthcare, education, social sciences, or environmental policy, systematic reviews are valued because they minimize bias, ensure reproducibility, and produce evidence that decision-makers can trust.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process of conducting a systematic review, from defining your question to publishing your findings.

Step 1: Define the Research Question Clearly

A well-defined question is the backbone of any systematic review.

Use structured frameworks:
- PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) for clinical topics.
- SPIDER for qualitative research.
- ECLIPSE for policy and management questions.

Example:
“In adults with insomnia (Population), does cognitive behavioral therapy (Intervention) compared to sleep hygiene education (Comparison) improve sleep quality (Outcome)?”

Step 2: Develop a Protocol

Your protocol acts as a roadmap and prevents methodological drift.

Include:
- Background and rationale.
- Objectives and eligibility criteria.
- Databases and search strategies.
- Data extraction and synthesis methods.
Register your protocol with PROSPERO or a similar registry.

Step 3: Conduct a Comprehensive Literature Search

A systematic search ensures you don’t miss relevant studies.

Search multiple databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus.
Include grey literature from conference abstracts, dissertations, and clinical trial registries.
Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) and controlled vocabulary (e.g., MeSH terms in PubMed).

Step 4: Screen the Studies

Screening happens in two stages:

Title and abstract screening – Eliminate irrelevant studies quickly.
Full-text review – Apply inclusion/exclusion criteria rigorously.

Tip: Use software like Rayyan or Covidence to manage the process and reduce bias.

Step 5: Extract Data

Data extraction must be standardized for consistency.

Common fields include:
- Study design and sample size.
- Population characteristics.
- Interventions and comparators.
- Outcomes and results.

A data extraction form helps keep details organized.

Step 6: Assess Quality and Risk of Bias

High-quality systematic reviews critically appraise the included studies.

Randomized Controlled Trials: Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0.
Observational Studies: Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
Diagnostic Studies: QUADAS-2.

Step 7: Synthesize the Findings

Narrative synthesis – Summarizes studies without statistical pooling.
Meta-analysis – Combines results statistically for a pooled effect size.
Consider using software like RevMan, R, or Stata.

Step 8: Report the Review

Transparent reporting increases credibility.

Follow PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
Include:
- A PRISMA flow diagram showing study selection.
- Tables of study characteristics.
- A discussion of strengths, limitations, and implications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Narrow search strategies that miss important studies.
Failing to register a protocol, leading to inconsistencies.
Single-reviewer screening, which increases bias.
Ignoring grey literature, which can skew results.

Conclusion

The steps in a systematic review may seem time-consuming, but they are essential for producing reliable, high-impact evidence. By defining your question clearly, following a registered protocol, and applying rigorous screening and synthesis methods, your review can become a trusted resource for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers.

A systematic review is not just a research method — it’s a commitment to transparency, quality, and scientific integrity.