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Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are among the highest levels of evidence in healthcare research. They require careful planning, transparent methodology and critical appraisal of published evidence.
This resource is designed to help nursing students understand the questions they should consider when planning or writing a systematic review or meta-analysis.
It does not provide a completed assignment or model answers.
Questions to Consider
When planning your systematic review, consider the following:
Research Question
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How will you develop a focused research question?
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Should you use PICO or PICo?
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Is your question clinically relevant and answerable?
Literature Search
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Which databases are appropriate?
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How will you develop your search strategy?
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Which inclusion and exclusion criteria will you apply?
Critical Appraisal
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Should you use CASP or JBI?
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Which appraisal tool is appropriate for each study design?
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How will you assess risk of bias?
Evidence Synthesis
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Will your review use narrative synthesis or meta-analysis?
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How will heterogeneity be assessed?
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Is a pooled analysis appropriate?
Reporting
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How will you follow PRISMA 2020?
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Will you register your protocol on PROSPERO?
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How will you report excluded studies?
Discussion
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How will you interpret the findings?
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What are the strengths and limitations of the evidence?
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How do your findings relate to current nursing practice?
Conclusion
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Does your review answer the original research question?
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What recommendations can you make for nursing practice and future research?
Key Learning Areas
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Research Question | Developing a focused PICO or PICo question |
| Literature Searching | Database searching, keywords and eligibility criteria |
| Critical Appraisal | Using CASP, JBI and evidence appraisal frameworks |
| Systematic Review Methodology | PRISMA, PROSPERO and reproducible review methods |
| Evidence Synthesis | Narrative synthesis, meta-analysis and heterogeneity |
| Research Interpretation | Critiquing findings and identifying methodological limitations |
| Academic Writing | Structuring a systematic review using accepted research conventions |
Questions This Resource Can Help You Think About
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How do you write a systematic review?
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What is the difference between a systematic review and a literature review?
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When should you use CASP or JBI?
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How do you develop a PICO question?
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What databases should you search for nursing research?
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What is PRISMA 2020?
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What is PROSPERO?
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How do you critically appraise nursing research?
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What is narrative synthesis?
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What is a meta-analysis?
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What is heterogeneity?
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How do you assess risk of bias?
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What should be included in the discussion section?
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How do you write the conclusion for a systematic review?
Useful Frameworks and Resources
| Framework / Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| PICO / PICo | Developing research questions |
| CASP | Critical appraisal of research studies |
| JBI | Evidence synthesis and appraisal |
| PRISMA 2020 | Reporting systematic reviews |
| PROSPERO | Protocol registration |
| GRADE | Assessing certainty of evidence |
| Cochrane Handbook | Systematic review methodology |
Need Help?
Planning a systematic review or meta-analysis can feel overwhelming, particularly when you're developing a research question, searching databases, critically appraising evidence or writing your methodology.
At UKNurses, our experienced nurse academics provide personalised academic support for nursing research projects, literature reviews, systematic reviews, dissertations and evidence-based practice assignments. We help you develop the skills to produce academically rigorous work while ensuring it remains entirely your own.
Explore our nursing research and dissertation support services to learn how UKNurses can support your studies.
Disclaimer: This resource is provided for educational purposes only. It is intended to support independent learning and critical thinking by outlining key questions, frameworks and concepts involved in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. It does not provide model answers, completed coursework or dissertation content. Always follow your university's assessment guidance, supervisor's advice and marking criteria where applicable.
