Narrative Review
Thematic overview of a topic area
When: Thesis chapter 2, background sections, and broad topic overviews where comprehensive quantitative synthesis is not required.
Read the Narrative Review guide →The Review Protocol
From Search Strategy to Synthesis — Master Every Review Type
Methodical, protocol-oriented guidance for every stage of evidence synthesis — from your first search string to a PRISMA-compliant manuscript.
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Seven review types, one protocol-driven framework
Every guide follows the same structure — when to use it, how to search, how to screen, how to synthesize, and how to report.
Systematic Review
Rigorous, reproducible evidence synthesis
When: Answering a focused clinical or policy question with a comprehensive, reproducible search and formal quality appraisal.
Read the Systematic Review guide →Scoping Review
Map the breadth of evidence on a topic
When: Mapping the literature, clarifying concepts, or identifying research gaps before a full systematic review.
Read the Scoping Review guide →Meta-Analysis
Quantitative synthesis of effect sizes
When: Pooling quantitative results across comparable studies to estimate an overall effect.
Read the Meta-Analysis guide →Rapid Review
Accelerated evidence synthesis for decisions
When: Time-sensitive policy or practice decisions where a full systematic review is not feasible.
Read the Rapid Review guide →Integrative Review
Combine empirical and theoretical literature
When: Integrating diverse methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, theoretical) to develop a holistic understanding.
Read the Integrative Review guide →Umbrella Review
Review of systematic reviews
When: Synthesizing existing systematic reviews or meta-analyses on a broad topic.
Read the Umbrella Review guide →The five phases of a rigorous review
From search string to published manuscript, each phase has a concrete deliverable.
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Search Strategy
Develop a reproducible search across databases using Boolean operators, MeSH terms, and documented protocols.
Deliverable: Documented search strategy with database, date, and result counts
- PubMed
- Scopus
- CINAHL
- Web of Science
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Screening & Selection
Apply inclusion/exclusion criteria through title/abstract and full-text screening stages.
Deliverable: PRISMA flow diagram with counts at each stage
- Covidence
- Rayyan
- EndNote
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Data Extraction
Systematically extract data from included studies using a pre-piloted extraction form.
Deliverable: Completed extraction spreadsheet with all coded variables
- Excel
- Literature Matrix
- Covidence
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Synthesis
Combine findings using narrative, thematic, framework, or meta-analytic methods.
Deliverable: Synthesized results section with themes or pooled estimates
- RevMan
- R (metafor)
- NVivo
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Reporting
Report results following PRISMA 2020, register the protocol on PROSPERO, and publish transparently.
Deliverable: PRISMA-compliant manuscript and flow diagram
- PRISMA checklist
- PROSPERO
- EQUATOR Network