Review of Local Systematic Review Characteristics: Looking Back as We Plan for the Future

• Published in: The journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association Vol. 41; no. 3; p. 141
• Main Authors: Parker, Robin, Helwig, Melissa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thunder Bay Canadian Health Libraries Association 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Librarians
• ISSN: 1708-6892

Introduction: Systematic reviews (SRs) are a common research output from universities and academic librarians support these projects through searching, instruction, and SR software provision. Understanding the characteristics of SRs in the local context can identify areas of strengths and deficiencies in SR capacity as well as the volume of production, which speaks to past library SR support and has the potential to inform future instruction, outreach, and service delivery model. The objective of this project is to examine recent published SRs authored by researchers from one institution and identify patterns in methodological and reporting quality. Methods: We searched multiple databases for SRs with at least one author affiliated with our institution. Using Covidence software, we removed duplicates and screened citations using selection criteria. A sample of reviews with first or last authors from the university were assessed for methodological quality using the validated AMSTAR 2 tool and for reporting quality using the PRISMA checklist. We extracted review characteristic details from the reports, including area of research, team composition, methodological and reporting quality, librarian involvement, and search strategy details. Results: A random sample of 100 reviews were evaluated. Details of the review characteristics and adherence to reporting and methodological standards will be reported. Discussion: Library services related to SR support will be informed by this retrospective investigation into the quality of published SRs from affiliated authors. Trends in methodological and reporting deficits suggest areas where outreach and training could help to improve the quality of SR research conducted at our institution.