Systematic Reviews without meta-analysis are published as Reviews; those with meta-analysis are published as Original Research
This manuscript should focus on a specific question that is relevant for clinical practice and provide an evidence-based, balanced, patient-oriented perspective.
Key points is a section of maximum 100 words, different from the Abstract, that follows 3 directions: Question, Findings, and Meaning.
A search of the primary literature should be made, including multiple bibliographic databases (eg, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO). The search methods should be described in sufficient detail so the search can be reproduced based on the information provided in the manuscript. The interval for the literature search should go as recent as possible, ideally with end dates within a month or two before manuscript submission.
The highest-quality evidence (randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and high-quality prospective cohort studies) should be given the greatest importance.
The Discussion should include the Key findings, summarized in the first paragraph. All statements should be supported by evidence. The relevant guidelines should be mentioned here and not in the Results section. Discussion should provide a critical synthesis of data and information based on the results of the review, an assessment of the quality of studies summarized, and a description of how studies can be interpreted and used to guide clinical practice. The limitations of the evidence and of the review, controversial or unresolved issues and topics in need of future research also should be included.
Structure:
- Abstract (max 300 words)
- Introduction
- Material & Method
- Results
- Discussion
- Conclusion(s)
- References
- PRISMA guidelines for meta-analyses of clinical trials
- MOOSE checklist for meta-analyses of observational studies
Format
- Word limit: 4000 (except for the abstract)
- Reference maximum: 75
- Figures or tables limit: 5