Systematic Reviews: The Basics

Not sure what a systematic review in dentistry is? Or maybe you’re in the know, but struggling to find that elusive starting point?

Well, you’re in the right neck of the woods!

What is a systematic literature review?

A systematic literature review (SLR) is all about generating (read synthesizing) evidence regarding a topic using a process referred to as critical methods.

As opposed to conventional (narrative) literature reviews or book chapters, systematic reviews are extremely focused. In short, they use rigorous methods to summarize findings and critically appraise the prevalent literature on a certain topic.

Is there a follow along guide or a set of rules for developing a systematic review?

An SLR in dentistry and medicine is generally written using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines.

How can Evidentia help you publish a systematic review in dentistry?

From initial concept/hypothesis building and manuscript refinement to hitting the publish/manuscript submission button (and beyond), Evidentia’s dedicated and highly experienced team of multidisciplinary clinicians, researchers, healthcare professionals will accompany you every step of the way.

With Evidentia by your side, it’s as simple as 1, 2, 3 and 4!

Step 1 - What’s your PICO?

The first step in conducting an SLR usually begins with generating a PICO (Participants, Intervention, Control, Outcomes) focused question. This question has your type of participants (e.g. patients with a particular disease or a certain population), intervention (e.g. a new drug), control (e.g. a comparison drug or placebo) and outcome (e.g. healing, treatment, reduction in pain).

Step 2 - Literature search

The next step is conducting a rigorous literature search following a pre-decided selection criteria.

Step 3 - It’s all about relevancy

This usually involves excluding irrelevant studies and obtaining full texts of the included studies. The relevant data is then extracted from each study and compiled into a presentable form such as tables.

Step 4 - To conduct or not to conduct (a meta-analysis)?

At this stage, we will work with you to determine whether conducting a Meta-analysis is in order for your topic.

For instance, if the studies are similar (homogenous) enough in methodology and outcomes, then conducting a meta-analysis may be just what your SLR needs to shine even brighter!

Furthermore, studies are then assessed for their quality and risk of bias by employing suitable scales.

Finally, a qualitative description of the studies and their characteristics are presented in a written form.

Contrary to popular opinion, SLRs hold a lot of importance in healthcare in general and dentistry in particular, because they are used to generate (and inform) the latest evidence based guidelines and treatment protocols.

Did You Know?

Systematic literature reviews are ranked higher than any other form of clinical research in terms of quality of evidence!

It is recommended that all clinicians know the basics of conducting, reading and interpreting the key findings derived from SLRs.

At Evidentia, we can help you write systematic literature reviews in a wide range of dentistry topics including pediatric dentistry, implant dentistry, patient safety interventions in dentistry and more. We can even help you improve, refine and optimize your existing SLR.

Book a free 30 minute consultation with Evidential today!