Systematic Review : methods and advices

This workshop presented a brief state-of-the-art about methodological challenges of systematic reviews. P.Bernard introduced validated tools and strategies to formulate a clear research question (e.g., Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews), define the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and register a future protocol on an appropriate platform (e.g., PROCEED). He also emphasized the importance of using diverse literature search strategies, including Grey literature and multiple language and databases. Several examples of his previous reviews were presented to illustrate previous methodological challenges. He further highlighted the need to methodological and risk of bias assessment should be performed for all future project of systematic review. This workshop was a good opportunity to present the SwiM (Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis) guideline, a useful framework for analyzing and reporting finding in reviews.

Throughout the workshop, P.Bernard shared numerous practical recommendations for conducting each major step of systematic review drawing on both (un)successful previous experiences. He concluded by discussing the potential interest of living systematic review, GRADE approach in environmental/public health perspectives, and use of large language models for abstract screening or risk of bias assessment.

The slides are available online.

Recommended reading : Chevance, Minor, K., Vielma, C., Campi, E., O’Callaghan-Gordo, C., Basagaña, X., Ballester, J., & Bernard, P. (2024). A systematic review of ambient heat and sleep in a warming climate. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 75, 101915.

Illustration source : https://framamemes.org/