Protocols & Registries for Systematic Reviews

Protocols and Reporting Guidelines

A detailed systematic review protocol is created prior to the review and includes both a rationale for the study and overview of planned methods of the review. They deter random or selective decisions made during the conduction of the systematic review.  A protocol improves the transparency, accuracy, and completeness of  systematic reviews.  Detailed protocols allow others to replicate review methods. 

Recommended protocols & Guidelines:

• PRISMA for systematic review protocols (PRISMA-P)
• Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME) Collaboration
• Cochrane Handbook - Chapter 4 

Registries

Why should you register your protocol? Protocols are made publicly available to promote collaboration and to deter duplication efforts.

Recommended registries:

• PROSPERO: How to register 
• BioMed Central’s Systematic Reviews 
• Open Science Framework: Registries
• Campbell Collaboration
• Cochrane Collaboration

Conducting a systematic review of animal studies? 

• Consider PROSPERO or BMJ's BioMed Central