What is meant by "systematic review"?

A systematic review is characterized as a rigorous synthesis of existing research focused on a specific topic. It employs a structured methodology to identify, evaluate, and synthesize all relevant studies, ensuring that the review is comprehensive and unbiased. This process typically involves clearly defined objectives, a thorough literature search, predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and often a quantitative analysis of the findings.

The purpose of a systematic review is to summarize the current state of evidence on a particular question or issue, highlighting areas of agreement and disagreement among studies. This is critical for informing further research, policy decisions, and practice guidelines. Unlike casual summaries, superficial analyses, or personal opinion pieces, a systematic review aims for objectivity and transparency, making it a foundational component of evidence-based practice in research.