The systematic review: Plurality of approaches and methodologies

Enferm Clin (Engl Ed). 2018 Nov-Dec;28(6):387-393. doi: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2018.08.008. Epub 2018 Oct 28.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

A systematic review is considered a "special" type of scientific article that, without being original, summarizes the current state of research on a particular topic, through a rigorous and reproducible systematic process. It emerged in order to offer a deeper insight and to understand a specific phenomenon of reality, based on the results of other research to consolidate existing knowledge and identify unresolved problems. This could facilitate decision-making according to the evidence. However, many synonyms are included under the generic term "review" that, through ignorance or misuse, can be disconcerting. This article explores the different types of published systematic reviews that we can find published, depending on the organization of their approach and the knowledge synthesis methodology used.

Keywords: Literatura de Revisión como asunto; Review; Review Literature as Topic; Revisión; Revisión sistemática; Systematic review.

MeSH terms

  • Research Design
  • Systematic Reviews as Topic*