Protocols for Systematic Reviews

Protocols for systematic reviews are detailed plans that outline how researchers will conduct a comprehensive and unbiased summary of existing studies on a specific topic. They specify the research questions, search strategies, inclusion criteria, methods for analyzing data, and steps to minimize bias. Developing a protocol before starting helps ensure the review is transparent, reproducible, and methodologically sound. Essentially, it serves as a roadmap that guides the entire review process, allowing others to understand and evaluate how the review was conducted and to maintain consistency and rigor throughout.