The table compares/contrasts features of systematic reviews, select other evidence synthesis and non-systematic reviews published in the peer-reviewed literature. (Ahmed, I., Sutton, A. J., & Riley, R. D., 2012; Belbasis, L., Bellou, V., & Ioannidis, J. P. A., 2022; Eldermire, E., & Young, Y. 2022; Grant & Booth, 2009; Khangura, Konnyu, Cushman, Grimshaw, & Moher, 2012; Munn et al., 2018; Sutton, Clowes, Preston, & Booth, 2019; Toronto, C.E. 2020; Tricco et al., 2015; Whittemore & Knafl, 2005)
| REVIEW TYPE | A Priori Protocol | Protocol Registration | Comprehensive Search | Screen & Appraise | Extract | Statistical Analysis | Guidelines | Required Timeframe | Reviewers Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Systematic Review – seeks to systematically search for, appraise and synthesize research evidence on a specific question, often adhering to guidelines on the conduct of a review. |
Yes, often published |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Conduct – YES Report – YES |
9-12+ months |
at least 2-3 |
|
|
Meta-analysis – a technique that statistically combines the results of quantitative studies to provide a more precise effect of the results. A good systematic review is essential to a meta-analysis of the literature. |
Yes, often published |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Conduct – YES Report – YES |
12-24 months |
at least 2-3 |
|
Other Types of Reviews |
|||||||||
|
Integrative Review – broadest type of research review methods which allows for the simultaneous inclusion of experimental and non-experimental research to more fully understand a phenomenon of concern. |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Conduct – YES Report – NO |
6-12+ months |
at least 2-3 |
|
Narrative/Literature Review – encompasses reviews of published materials that provide an examination of recent or current literature on a broad and/or wide range of subjects |
No |
Not necessary |
Varied, not necessary |
Varied, not necessary |
No |
No |
Conduct – NO Report – NO |
1 week-1 month |
1 |
|
Rapid Review – a type of knowledge synthesis in which components of the systematic review process are simplified or omitted to produce information in a short period time. Review team and client negotiate scope and methods based on time available. Used on emerging issues needing timely answers. |
Yes, often not published |
No, varied # of databases, dates and other limits |
Varied |
No, but recommended |
No, varied analysis methods |
Conduct – YES Report – YES* (in progress) |
1-6 months |
at least 1 |
|
|
Scoping Review – provides a preliminary assessment of the potential size and scope of available research literature. It can identify either specific or general opportunities for further research. |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No, charted evidence |
Conduct – YES Report – YES |
6-12+ months |
at least 2 |
|
|
Umbrella Review – is a review of reviews that compiles evidence from existing reviews into one accessible and usable document. It may be conducted when there are competing interventions. |
Yes, often published |
Yes, only reviews included |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Conduct – YES Report – YES |
9-12+ months |
at least 2 |
|
Piecing Together Systematic Reviews and Other Evidence Syntheses (ProQuest Ebook Central) by 
A Step-By-Step Guide to Conducting an Integrative Review (Springer Nature) by