Julien Al Shakarchi, How to write a systematic review or meta-analysis protocol, Journal of Surgical Protocols and Research Methodologies, Volume 2022, Issue 3, July 2022, snac015, https://doi.org/10.1093/jsprm/snac015
Navbar Search Filter Mobile Enter search term Search Navbar Search Filter Enter search term SearchA protocol is an important document that specifies the research plan for a systematic review/meta analysis. In this paper, we have explained a simple and clear approach to writing a research study protocol for a systematic review or meta-analysis.
A study protocol is an essential part of any research project. It sets out in detail the research methodology to be used for the systematic review or meta-analysis. It assists the research team to stay focused on the question to be answered by the study. Prospero, from the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York, is an international prospective register of systematic reviews and authors should consider registering their research to reduce the potential for duplication of work. In this paper, we will explain how to write a research protocol by describing what needs to be included.
This section sets out the need for the planned research and the context of the current evidence. It should be supported by an extensive background to the topic with appropriate references to the literature. This should be followed by a brief description of the condition and the target population. A clear explanation for the rationale and objective of the project is also expected to justify the need of the study.
A detailed search strategy is necessary to be described in the protocol. It should set out which databases are to be included as well as the specific keywords be searched and publication timeframe. The inclusion/exclusion criteria should be described for the type of studies, participants and interventions. The population, intervention, comparator and outcome (PICO) framework is a useful tool to consider for this section.
The methodology of the data extraction should be detailed in this section and should include how many reviewers will be involved and how any disagreement will be resolved. The methodology to be used for quality and bias assessment of included studies should also be described in this section. Data analysis including statistical methodology needs to be established clearly in this section of the protocol. Finally details of any planned subgroup analyses should also be included.
Any competing interests of the researchers should also be stated in this section. The authorship of any publication should have a clear and fair criterion which should be described in this section of the protocol. By doing so, it will resolve any issues arising at the publication stage.
It is important to explain who are the sponsors and funders of the study. It should clearly clarify the involvement and potential influence of any party. The protocol should explicitly outline the roles and responsibilities of any funder(s) in study design, data analysis and interpretation, manuscript writing and dissemination of results.
A protocol is an important document that specifies the research plan for a systematic review or meta-analysis. It should be written in detail and researchers should aim to publish their study protocols. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement provides a useful checklist on what should be included in a systematic review [ 1]. In this paper, we have explained a simple and clear approach to writing a research study protocol for a systematic review or meta-analysis.