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Systematic Review Report Builder (PRISMA 2020)

Draft your systematic review manuscript section by section against the 27 items of the PRISMA 2020 checklist, then download a Word outline and a completed checklist table.

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Headings follow the 27 items of the PRISMA 2020 checklist, in manuscript order. Draft each section, add where it appears in your manuscript, then download the report outline and a completed checklist table. PRISMA 2020 is published under a CC BY 4.0 licence; always check the official checklist and explanation document.

Title

1. TitleIdentify the report as a systematic review.Location

Abstract

2. AbstractA structured abstract; see the PRISMA 2020 for Abstracts checklist.Location

Introduction

3. RationaleWhy the review is needed, in the context of existing knowledge.Location

4. ObjectivesAn explicit statement of the objectives or questions the review addresses.Location

Methods

5. Eligibility criteriaInclusion and exclusion criteria, and how studies were grouped for the syntheses.Location

6. Information sourcesEvery database, register, website, organisation and reference list searched or consulted, with the date each was last searched.Location

7. Search strategyThe full search strategies for all databases, registers and websites, including any filters and limits.Location

8. Selection processHow eligibility was decided: how many reviewers screened each record and report, whether independently, and any automation tools.Location

9. Data collection processHow data were collected: how many reviewers, whether independently, how data were obtained or confirmed from investigators, and any automation tools.Location

10. Data itemsThe outcomes and other variables for which data were sought, with definitions and any assumptions about missing or unclear information.Location

11. Study risk of bias assessmentThe tools used, how many reviewers assessed each study and whether they worked independently.Location

12. Effect measuresThe effect measure used for each outcome, such as risk ratio or mean difference.Location

13. Synthesis methodsHow studies were chosen for each synthesis, data preparation, tabulation and display, the synthesis model, heterogeneity exploration and sensitivity analyses.Location

14. Reporting bias assessmentMethods used to assess risk of bias due to missing results in a synthesis.Location

15. Certainty assessmentMethods used to assess certainty (confidence) in the body of evidence for each outcome, such as GRADE.Location

Results

16. Study selectionResults of the search and selection, ideally with a flow diagram; cite studies that seemed eligible but were excluded, and say why.Location

17. Study characteristicsCite each included study and present its characteristics.Location

18. Risk of bias in studiesThe risk of bias assessment for each included study.Location

19. Results of individual studiesFor every outcome, summary statistics for each group and an effect estimate with its confidence interval, ideally in tables or plots.Location

20. Results of synthesesFor each synthesis: characteristics and risk of bias of the contributing studies, the results, investigations of heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses.Location

21. Reporting biasesAssessments of risk of bias due to missing results for each synthesis.Location

22. Certainty of evidenceThe certainty (confidence) in the evidence for each outcome.Location

Discussion

23. DiscussionInterpretation in the context of other evidence, limitations of the evidence and of the review processes, and implications for practice, policy and research.Location

Other information

24. Registration and protocolRegistry name and number (or state that the review was not registered), where the protocol can be accessed, and any amendments.Location

25. SupportSources of financial or non-financial support and the role of funders or sponsors.Location

26. Competing interestsCompeting interests of the review authors.Location

27. Availability of data, code and other materialsWhich materials are publicly available and where: data collection forms, extracted data, analysis data, code and other materials.Location

0 of 27 items drafted

Title

Abstract

Introduction

Rationale

Objectives

Methods

Eligibility criteria

Information sources

Search strategy

Selection process

Data collection process

Data items

Study risk of bias assessment

Effect measures

Synthesis methods

Reporting bias assessment

Certainty assessment

Results

Study selection

Study characteristics

Risk of bias in studies

Results of individual studies

Results of syntheses

Reporting biases

Certainty of evidence

Discussion

Other information

Registration and protocol

Support

Competing interests

Availability of data, code and other materials

Section	Item	Topic
Title	1	Title
Abstract	2	Abstract
Introduction	3	Rationale
Introduction	4	Objectives
Methods	5	Eligibility criteria
Methods	6	Information sources
Methods	7	Search strategy
Methods	8	Selection process
Methods	9	Data collection process
Methods	10	Data items
Methods	11	Study risk of bias assessment
Methods	12	Effect measures
Methods	13	Synthesis methods
Methods	14	Reporting bias assessment
Methods	15	Certainty assessment
Results	16	Study selection
Results	17	Study characteristics
Results	18	Risk of bias in studies
Results	19	Results of individual studies
Results	20	Results of syntheses
Results	21	Reporting biases
Results	22	Certainty of evidence
Discussion	23	Discussion
Other information	24	Registration and protocol
Other information	25	Support
Other information	26	Competing interests
Other information	27	Availability of data, code and other materials

Your draft is saved in this browser only. Some items (such as 13 and 20) have sub-items in the full checklist; report each one.

How to Use the Systematic Review Report Builder

1
Draft each item
Short guidance under each heading summarises what the PRISMA item asks for.
2
Record the location
Note the page or section where each item is reported.
3
Download
A Word outline of the manuscript and the completed PRISMA 2020 checklist table.

Reporting a systematic review with PRISMA 2020

PRISMA 2020 is the reporting guideline for systematic reviews. Its 27-item checklist covers the title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion and other information such as registration, funding and data availability.

Many journals ask authors to submit a completed PRISMA checklist with the page on which each item is reported. Drafting against the checklist from the start makes this straightforward and helps avoid missing items.

How it is calculated

Item numbers and topics from the PRISMA 2020 checklist (CC BY 4.0); guidance text is our own summary
Your work is saved in your own browser only; nothing is uploaded.

Sources

Systematic Review Report Builder: FAQ

Does this replace the official checklist?

No. Use the official checklist and the explanation and elaboration paper for the full wording and sub-items, especially for items 13 and 20.

What about the flow diagram?

Use the PRISMA flow diagram generator for item 16.

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