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Gibson D. Lewis Library Libguides

Systematic Reviews

Resources for conducting systematic reviews

Step Two

Step Two: Protocol Development

Developing a protocol is a critical part of conducting a high-quality review. A protocol is a detailed plan that outlines why and how you are conducting your review. It helps ensure that your methods are transparent, reproducible, and limits bias. In systematic reviews, protocols should follow established standards such as PRISMA-P and are typically registered in platforms like PROSPERO.

 

To have a thorough plan in place check out:

Key Benefits

Having a written protocol not only serves as a physical reference for team members, but also offers several key benefits:

  • Reduces bias by pre-defining objectives and methods

  • Promotes rigor and consistency throughout the review

  • Improves transparency and reproducibility

  • Avoids duplication by checking if similar reviews are already underway

  • Facilitates collaboration and keeps the team aligned

  • Supports publication and strengthens credibility

  • Clarifies scope with clear inclusion/exclusion criteria

Elements to Include in a Protocol

A well-structured protocol should include the following key elements to ensure transparency, consistency, and rigor throughout the review process:

  • Team members and their roles

  • Rationale and objectives of the review

  • Eligibility criteria (inclusion and exclusion)

  • Databases and search terms (include a full search strategy for at least one database)

  • Process and tools for screening, quality assessment, and data extraction

  • Data items to be extracted

  • Methods for data synthesis and analysis

Choosing a Protocol Format

For systematic reviews, use a structured template like:

Where to Register Your Protocol

Registering your protocol improves transparency and prevents duplication. Popular registries include: