Rules for writing a systematic review

  1. Define a topic and audience
  1. Search and re-search the literature
  1. Take notes while reading
  1. Choose the type of review you'd like to write
  1. Keep the review focussed but make it interesting to the broader audience
  1. Be critical and consistent
  1. Find a logical structure
  1. Make use of feedback
  1. If you include your own research, be objective
  1. Be up-to-date, but don't neglect the older gems

"scientists cannot be expected to examine in detail every single new paper relevant to their interests"

  1. Interesting

Important

Well-defined

Keep track of the search items

Use a citation manager

Define exclusion criteria early

Look for previous reviews

Critically appraise the review and learn from it

Find a new angle

Incorporate new evidence

Outline the: major achievements
main areas of debate/controversy
research questions that need addressing