Systematic Reviews for Non-Health Sciences

A systematic review protocol describes the rationale, hypothesis, and planned methods of the review. It should be prepared before a review is started and used as a guide to carry out the review.

The content in a protocol includes:

• Research question(s) and aims
• Breakdown of your framework (e.g., PICO)
• Eligibility criteria (inclusion / exclusion)
• Databases to be searched, gray literature sources
• How you will:
  • Screen your records
  • Extract and manage the data
  • Assess bias
  • Analyze data

Protocols are usually required and are considered best practice when conducting evidence synthesis research. Protocols are created first before embarking on your research journey. There are several different protocol templates out there, so think about:

• Where do you plan to register your protocol?
• How discoverable will your protocol be?
• Are there journal or publication requirements?

Here are four common protocol templates:

1. PRISMA-P (including their checklist)
2. Evidence Synthesis Protocol Template (Ghezzi-Kopel & Porciello, 2020)
3. PROSPERO Template
4. OSF Generalized Systematic Review Registration Form

For more information, check out the Guidelines & Standards section.

It is common practice in the health sciences to register your protocol in a registry, such as PROSPERO, in an effort to promote transparency and reproducibility (and reduce your chances of being scooped!).

Outside of the health sciences, protocol registration has been slower to catch on. However, there are places in which you can register a non-health sciences systematic review.