7 Systematic Literature Review Examples to Master in 2025

7 Systematic Literature Review Examples to Master in 2025

7 Systematic Literature Review Examples to Master in 2025
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Systematic literature reviews (SLRs) represent the gold standard for synthesizing research evidence. They are not merely summaries but meticulous, replicable scientific investigations in their own right. Moving from a broad research question to a definitive, evidence-based answer requires a structured, transparent, and rigorous process. Yet, the sheer variety of methodologies can be overwhelming for students, academic researchers, and even seasoned medical professionals. Which framework is best suited for a clinical trial meta-analysis versus a qualitative evidence synthesis?
This article provides a practical roadmap by showcasing seven distinct systematic literature review examples and frameworks. We move beyond abstract theory to offer a detailed breakdown of each approach, from the universally recognized PRISMA guidelines to the agile SPIDER tool designed for qualitative research. We will dissect the strategic advantages and specific applications of foundational methods like the Cochrane and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodologies, as well as more specialized frameworks such as SALSA and scoping reviews.
Our goal is to equip you with actionable insights and replicable strategies. For each example, we will analyze its core components, highlight its unique methodological strengths, and provide clear takeaways. By understanding the "why" and "how" behind these powerful frameworks, you can confidently select and implement the most appropriate methodology, ensuring your own review is robust, credible, and impactful. This guide is your resource for transforming a chaotic collection of studies into a clear, authoritative synthesis of knowledge.

1. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)

PRISMA is not just a methodology; it is the global standard for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. It provides researchers with a clear, evidence-based framework to ensure their review process is transparent, comprehensive, and, most importantly, replicable. Developed by a group of international experts, including David Moher and the Cochrane Collaboration, PRISMA consists of a detailed 27-item checklist and a four-phase flow diagram.
The framework guides researchers through the entire lifecycle of a systematic review, from formulating the research question to reporting the final results. By adhering to PRISMA, you ensure that every decision, from your search strategy to study inclusion criteria, is explicitly documented and justified. This level of transparency is why PRISMA is mandated or recommended by over 200 leading scientific journals and is a cornerstone of high-quality evidence synthesis.

Why It's a Top Example

PRISMA is the quintessential systematic literature review example because it provides the structure necessary for a robust and unbiased review. Its widespread adoption across disciplines, from medicine to social sciences, makes it a universally recognized benchmark for quality. A review following PRISMA guidelines is inherently more credible and trustworthy.
The PRISMA framework is designed to minimize bias and enhance clarity. It forces researchers to pre-specify their methods, document their search process, and justify the exclusion of studies, leaving a clear audit trail for readers and peer reviewers.

Strategic Breakdown and Actionable Takeaways

To effectively implement PRISMA, think of it as a project management tool for your review.
  • Plan Ahead with PRISMA-P: Before you even begin your search, use the PRISMA-P (for Protocols) checklist. Publishing your protocol in a registry like PROSPERO adds a layer of transparency and helps prevent selective reporting of outcomes.
  • Document Every Step: Use the 27-item checklist as your guide throughout the review process, not just as a final reporting tool. Document decisions for each item as you make them.
  • Leverage Technology: Tools like Covidence, Rayyan, or Zotero are invaluable for managing the PRISMA flow. They help automate de-duplication and streamline the screening process, especially when working with multiple reviewers.
  • Embrace the Flow Diagram: The PRISMA flow diagram is a visual summary of your review's screening and selection process. It accounts for every record identified, screened, and assessed for eligibility.
The following infographic illustrates the core phases of the PRISMA flow diagram, showing how a large pool of potential studies is systematically narrowed down to the final included articles. This visualization highlights the rigorous filtering process at the heart of a systematic review, ensuring that only the most relevant and eligible studies contribute to the final synthesis.
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For a deeper dive into applying the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, this video provides a helpful walkthrough.

2. Cochrane Systematic Review Methodology

The Cochrane systematic review methodology is widely regarded as the gold standard for evidence synthesis in healthcare. Developed and maintained by Cochrane, a global independent network of researchers, this approach is defined by its rigorous, explicit, and transparent methods designed to minimize bias. Its primary focus is on assessing the effects of healthcare interventions, typically by synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
The methodology is meticulously outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. It mandates comprehensive search strategies, duplicate independent screening and data extraction, rigorous risk-of-bias assessment for included studies, and often includes meta-analysis to statistically combine results. The final output, a Cochrane Review, is a powerful tool used by policymakers, clinicians, and patients to make informed healthcare decisions.

Why It's a Top Example

Cochrane represents the pinnacle of methodological rigor, making it an essential systematic literature review example. Its unwavering commitment to minimizing bias at every stage sets the international benchmark for trustworthy evidence. A review conducted using Cochrane’s methods is considered the highest level of evidence, influencing clinical practice guidelines from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The strength of the Cochrane approach lies in its structured, protocol-driven process. From registering the review title to publishing the final report in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, every step is prescribed and peer-reviewed. This ensures that the findings are not only robust but also replicable and free from undue influence, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of evidence-based medicine.

Strategic Breakdown and Actionable Takeaways

Implementing the Cochrane methodology is a significant undertaking that requires meticulous planning and a dedicated team.
  • Master the Handbook: Before beginning, thoroughly familiarize yourself with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. This is your essential guide and rulebook for the entire process. Consider it the definitive resource on how to do a systematic review to the highest standard.
  • Build a Multidisciplinary Team: A successful Cochrane Review team includes content experts (clinicians), methodologists, a librarian or information specialist for the search strategy, and often a statistician for meta-analysis. Collaboration is key.
  • Utilize Cochrane-Specific Software: Cochrane’s Review Manager (RevMan) software is designed specifically for preparing and maintaining Cochrane Reviews. Use it from the outset to manage your data, perform analyses, and format your report correctly.
  • Engage with a Cochrane Review Group: Connect with a Cochrane Review Group (CRG) relevant to your topic. They provide invaluable editorial support, mentorship, peer review, and guidance to ensure your review meets Cochrane's exacting standards. Plan for a long-term commitment, as a Cochrane review can take 18 months or more to complete.

3. SALSA Framework (Search, AppraisaL, Synthesis, and Analysis)

The SALSA framework offers a more flexible and iterative approach to conducting systematic literature reviews. It formalizes the four critical stages of the review process: Search, AppraisaL, Synthesis, and Analysis. Unlike more linear models, SALSA acknowledges that the review process is often cyclical, with researchers needing to move back and forth between stages as their understanding of the topic deepens and new insights emerge.
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This framework is highly valued in fields like the social sciences, education, and public health, where research questions can be complex and the evidence base diverse. SALSA provides a realistic representation of the review workflow while maintaining methodological rigor. It guides researchers through a dynamic process of discovery rather than a rigid, one-way street, allowing for refinement of search strategies or appraisal criteria based on preliminary synthesis findings.

Why It's a Top Example

SALSA stands out as a top systematic literature review example because it champions a pragmatic, real-world approach without sacrificing systematic principles. Its strength lies in its adaptability, making it ideal for navigating complex topics where the scope may evolve as the review progresses. This iterative nature allows for a more nuanced and thorough exploration of the literature.
The framework is particularly effective for reviews that integrate diverse study designs or explore multifaceted interventions. By allowing for a return to earlier stages, researchers can ensure their search was truly comprehensive or refine their appraisal tools to better fit the discovered evidence. This flexibility leads to a richer and more contextually grounded synthesis. You can explore a variety of approaches in our guide on research synthesis methods.

Strategic Breakdown and Actionable Takeaways

To leverage SALSA's power, view it as a structured yet adaptable roadmap for your review.
  • Embrace Iteration with Justification: The core of SALSA is its cyclical nature. Document every decision to revisit a previous stage. For example, note why your initial synthesis (S) prompted a revised search strategy (S). This creates a transparent audit trail.
  • Set Clear Boundaries: While flexible, SALSA is not an invitation for endless loops. Establish clear "stop" criteria in your protocol to prevent scope creep. For instance, define how many iterations of the search you will permit before finalizing the literature pool.
  • Combine with PRISMA for Reporting: Use SALSA as your process framework and PRISMA as your reporting standard. This gives you the best of both worlds: a flexible methodology for conducting the review and a universally accepted format for presenting it, enhancing your publication chances.
  • Use Visual Mapping: Create concept maps or flow diagrams to track your iterative journey. Visualizing how new findings from the Synthesis stage led you back to the Appraisal or Search stage can help clarify your thought process and strengthen your final report's methodology section.

4. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Methodology for Systematic Reviews

The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) offers a highly specialized and comprehensive suite of methodologies designed primarily for evidence-based healthcare. Unlike a single framework, JBI provides distinct, rigorous approaches for various types of evidence, making it exceptionally versatile. Whether a researcher is synthesizing qualitative data on patient experiences, evaluating the effectiveness of a clinical intervention, or assessing the accuracy of a diagnostic test, JBI has a tailored methodology.
This approach is rooted in pragmatism, focusing on the feasibility, appropriateness, meaningfulness, and effectiveness (FAME) of healthcare practices. Developed by leading methodologists at the University of Adelaide, JBI's guidance includes specific tools for critical appraisal, data extraction, and evidence synthesis for each review type, ensuring the final output is directly applicable to clinical practice and policy-making.

Why It's a Top Example

JBI stands out as a top systematic literature review example because of its unparalleled breadth and specificity for health sciences. While other frameworks provide general guidance, JBI's strength lies in its "fit-for-purpose" models that accommodate the full spectrum of health-related questions. This allows for nuanced synthesis of diverse evidence types, from qualitative patient narratives to quantitative prevalence data.
The methodology's focus on a wide range of review types, including mixed-methods and qualitative reviews, makes it an indispensable tool for understanding complex health interventions. It moves beyond just asking "what works?" to explore "how, why, for whom, and in what circumstances?" This comprehensive perspective is critical for generating evidence that truly informs real-world healthcare decisions.

Strategic Breakdown and Actionable Takeaways

To leverage the JBI methodology effectively, researchers must be deliberate in their choice and application of its tools.
  • Match Methodology to Your Question: The first and most critical step is to select the correct JBI review methodology. A question about patient experiences requires a qualitative synthesis approach, while a question about the frequency of a disease requires a prevalence review methodology. Misalignment here will compromise the entire review.
  • Utilize JBI's SUMARI: JBI's System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information (SUMARI) is a software package designed to help researchers conduct JBI-style reviews. It provides a structured environment for protocol development, study screening, appraisal, and synthesis, aligning directly with the recommended steps.
  • Master the Critical Appraisal Tools: JBI provides unique, validated critical appraisal checklists for each study design (e.g., RCTs, qualitative studies, case reports). Download these tools early and become proficient in applying them to ensure you accurately assess the risk of bias in your included studies.
  • Plan for a Rigorous Synthesis: JBI's synthesis methods are highly structured. For qualitative reviews, this involves meta-aggregation, which requires careful development of categories and synthesized findings. Plan adequate time for this intensive phase, as it is the core of generating new insights from existing research. You can explore structured approaches by checking out this guide for a systematic review template.

5. SPIDER Tool for Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Reviews

The SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type) tool is a specialized framework developed as a direct alternative to the PICO model for qualitative and mixed-methods research. Created by Angela Cooke, Debbie Smith, and Andrew Booth, it addresses the unique challenges of identifying non-quantitative studies, which often get lost in searches designed for clinical trials. PICO is optimized for interventions and outcomes, while SPIDER is tailored to capture experiences, perceptions, and attitudes.
SPIDER reorients the search process around concepts central to qualitative inquiry, such as the sample population, the specific phenomenon being studied, and the type of research. This framework helps researchers construct more sensitive and specific search strategies, ensuring they can effectively locate relevant qualitative evidence syntheses on topics like patient experiences with chronic illness or barriers to health behavior change. It provides a structured approach for one of the most difficult parts of a qualitative review: finding the right studies.
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Why It's a Top Example

SPIDER stands out as a top systematic literature review example because it provides a crucial, targeted solution for researchers working outside the quantitative paradigm. Its creation acknowledged that a one-size-fits-all approach (like PICO) is insufficient for the diverse landscape of evidence synthesis. By offering a dedicated tool, SPIDER empowers researchers to conduct more rigorous and comprehensive qualitative and mixed-methods reviews.
The framework’s value lies in its precision. It prevents researchers from trying to force a qualitative question into a quantitative structure, which can lead to poorly defined search terms and missed studies. Using SPIDER results in a more methodologically sound and transparent search process, enhancing the credibility and depth of the final evidence synthesis.

Strategic Breakdown and Actionable Takeaways

To effectively implement the SPIDER tool, view it as a translator that converts your qualitative research question into a machine-readable search strategy.
  • Define Each Component Clearly: Before building your search string, meticulously define each element of SPIDER for your topic. What is the exact Sample? What Phenomenon are you exploring? What Designs (e.g., ethnography, phenomenology) are you including? What Evaluation outcomes (e.g., attitudes, experiences) are you looking for? What Research types (qualitative, mixed-methods) will be included?
  • Combine with PICO for Mixed-Methods: For a true mixed-methods review that includes both quantitative and qualitative studies, use PICO and SPIDER in parallel. Develop separate search strategies tailored to each framework to ensure you capture the full range of relevant evidence for your question.
  • Be Flexible with 'Design': The "Design" component can be challenging, as study designs are not always well-indexed in databases. Instead of overly restrictive terms, consider using broader search filters for qualitative research, often developed and validated by subject matter experts and librarians.
  • Iterate and Refine Your Search: A SPIDER search is not a one-and-done process. Start with your initial search string, test it against a set of known relevant articles (gold-standard papers), and refine your terms based on the results. This iterative process is key to optimizing search sensitivity and specificity. Understanding the nuances of this process is crucial, and you can explore more about qualitative research analysis methods to deepen your expertise.

6. Rapid Review Methodology

Rapid review methodology offers a streamlined approach to evidence synthesis, designed to produce timely information for urgent decision-making while maintaining as much scientific rigor as possible. Unlike a full systematic review that can take over a year, rapid reviews intentionally abbreviate or omit certain steps, such as limiting the number of databases searched or using a single reviewer for screening. This trade-off allows for completion in a much shorter timeframe, typically one to six months.
This methodology gained significant traction in fast-moving fields and emergency contexts, most notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, where policymakers needed evidence on treatments and public health measures almost immediately. It is a pragmatic solution when the demand for timely evidence outweighs the need for exhaustive comprehensiveness. Organizations like the WHO and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) have developed specific guidance for conducting high-quality rapid reviews.

Why It's a Top Example

Rapid reviews are a critical systematic literature review example because they demonstrate how to adapt rigorous methods to real-world constraints. They are the go-to framework when a full systematic review is not feasible due to time or resource limitations. This approach bridges the gap between quick, informal literature searches and the gold-standard, but lengthy, systematic review process.
The core value of a rapid review lies in its structured transparency. By explicitly stating which steps of the systematic process were modified or omitted and why, researchers maintain credibility while delivering actionable evidence quickly. This makes it an indispensable tool for health technology assessments, government policy briefs, and organizational decision-making in healthcare.

Strategic Breakdown and Actionable Takeaways

To execute a rapid review effectively, the key is to be deliberate and transparent about the methodological shortcuts you take.
  • Define and Justify Shortcuts: Before you begin, clearly define which components will be streamlined. Will you limit the search to a few key databases? Will you use a single reviewer with verification instead of full dual review? Document these decisions and your rationale.
  • Engage Stakeholders Early: Collaborate with the end-users of the review (e.g., policymakers, clinicians) from the outset. This ensures your research question is highly focused on their immediate needs, maximizing the review's relevance and impact.
  • Prioritize High-Yield Sources: Concentrate your search efforts on databases most likely to contain the highest quality evidence for your topic, such as MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Use validated search filters to increase the efficiency of your searches.
  • Be Transparent About Limitations: Your final report must explicitly state the limitations resulting from the rapid methodology. Acknowledge that the streamlined process increases the risk of missing relevant studies and outline how this might affect the conclusions. Following emerging guidance, such as that from the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group, can help standardize your approach.

7. Scoping Review Framework (Arksey and O'Malley / Levac et al.)

The Scoping Review Framework, pioneered by Arksey and O'Malley and later refined by Levac et al., offers a structured methodology for exploring the breadth and depth of literature on a particular topic. Unlike a traditional systematic review designed to answer a specific, narrow question about effectiveness, a scoping review aims to map the existing evidence, identify key concepts, clarify definitions, and uncover research gaps.
This framework is exploratory by nature, making it ideal for new or complex fields where the body of literature is heterogeneous. It follows a distinct six-stage process: identifying the research question, identifying relevant studies, study selection, charting the data, summarizing the results, and an optional but highly recommended stakeholder consultation. This approach provides a panoramic view of a topic, serving as a critical precursor to more focused research.

Why It's a Top Example

The Scoping Review Framework is an excellent systematic literature review example because it addresses a different but equally important research need: understanding the landscape of evidence. It is the go-to method for mapping research on emerging topics like digital health interventions or exploring multifaceted concepts such as 'patient engagement'. Its strength lies in its flexibility and its focus on breadth rather than depth.
By systematically charting what is known, this framework provides an invaluable service to the research community. It helps prevent redundant primary research by highlighting saturated areas and directs future inquiry by identifying critical gaps. This methodical approach to exploration ensures the "scoping" process is as rigorous and transparent as a conventional systematic review.

Strategic Breakdown and Actionable Takeaways

To execute a successful scoping review, treat it as a systematic reconnaissance mission for your research field.
  • Embrace Iteration: Your research question may evolve as you learn more about the literature. While you start with a clear objective, the framework allows for iterative refinement, a key difference from the rigid protocol of a standard systematic review.
  • Prioritize a Broad Search: The goal is comprehensiveness. Collaborate with a librarian to develop a multi-database search strategy that captures a wide range of study types, including grey literature, to get a full picture of the evidence.
  • Use a Data Charting Form: Develop a standardized form to extract key information from each included study (e.g., author, year, study design, population, key findings). This ensures consistency and makes the final synthesis and reporting stage much more manageable.
  • Report with PRISMA-ScR: Adhere to the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist when writing your report. This ensures your methods and findings are communicated with the same level of transparency and detail expected in other review types.

Systematic Review Methodologies Comparison

Framework / Methodology
Implementation Complexity 🔄
Resource Requirements ⚡
Expected Outcomes 📊
Ideal Use Cases 💡
Key Advantages ⭐
PRISMA
Moderate to high; checklist and flow diagram require detailed work
Multiple reviewers recommended; time-intensive
Transparent, reproducible systematic reviews across disciplines
Systematic literature reviews, especially healthcare and medicine
Widely recognized; enhances transparency; free resources
Cochrane Systematic Review
Very high; protocol-driven, rigorous steps, extensive search and appraisal
High; requires expert team, training, editorial process
Highest quality evidence syntheses focusing on RCTs
Healthcare interventions RCT-based reviews, clinical guidelines
Gold standard evidence; rigorous quality control; supported by expert network
SALSA Framework
Moderate; iterative and flexible, less prescriptive
Moderate; flexible team needs; researcher expertise important
Realistic, adaptable reviews integrating qualitative and quantitative data
Social sciences, education, interdisciplinary research
Flexible, iterative; suited to complex topics; supports mixed-methods
Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)
High; multiple methodologies for diverse review types
Moderate to high; software (SUMARI) and membership may be needed
Comprehensive reviews including qualitative, prevalence, economic evaluations
Healthcare practice and policy; mixed methods; implementation science
Detailed tools; strong qualitative guidance; international recognition
SPIDER Tool
Low to moderate; focused on search strategy development
Low; mainly researcher and librarian collaboration
Improved sensitivity for qualitative and mixed-methods literature searches
Qualitative and mixed-methods systematic reviews
Tailored to qualitative research; better search sensitivity than PICO
Rapid Review Methodology
Low to moderate; streamlined with documented shortcuts
Low resource use; fewer reviewers, limited searching
Timely evidence synthesis with acknowledged limitations
Urgent decision-making, policy briefs, rapidly evolving fields
Fast turnaround; resource-efficient; accepted by policymakers
Scoping Review Framework
Moderate; 6-stage process; no quality appraisal but broad mapping
Moderate; requires broad literature search and data charting
Broad evidence maps, identification of gaps, research landscape overview
Emerging topics, exploratory studies, mapping evidence breadth
Ideal for broad queries; identifies gaps; less time on quality appraisal

Choosing Your Framework and Accelerating Your Research

Navigating the world of evidence synthesis can feel like trying to find a specific book in a vast, unorganized library. However, as the detailed systematic literature review examples throughout this article have shown, the right framework acts as your personal librarian, guiding you with a clear, structured, and replicable process. From the gold-standard rigor of Cochrane reviews in clinical medicine to the flexible, exploratory nature of a Scoping Review for emerging fields, the methodology you choose is the single most important decision you will make. It is the architectural blueprint for your entire research project.
The journey through these examples reveals a core principle: there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your research question is your compass. A question about the effectiveness of a specific healthcare intervention naturally points toward the highly structured Cochrane or JBI methodologies. Conversely, a question designed to map the existing literature on a broad topic without evaluating intervention effectiveness finds its home in the Scoping Review framework pioneered by Arksey and O'Malley. For qualitative research, the SPIDER tool provides a nuanced alternative to PICO, ensuring your search strategy is sensitive to themes of experience and perspective.

From Theory to Practice: Key Takeaways and Actionable Steps

The true value of examining these systematic literature review examples lies in translating their strategic designs into your own research workflow. The difference between a high-impact review and a forgotten paper often comes down to meticulous planning and execution. The examples we’ve explored underscore the non-negotiable importance of a pre-defined protocol, transparent reporting via PRISMA guidelines, and a robust, documented search strategy. These are not merely suggestions; they are the cornerstones of credible, high-quality evidence synthesis.
To move forward, consider these actionable steps:
  1. Refine Your Research Question: Before committing to a framework, spend significant time sharpening your question. Use frameworks like PICO or SPIDER to break it down into searchable concepts. Is your goal to assess effectiveness, map a field, or synthesize qualitative experiences? The answer dictates your methodological path.
  1. Conduct a Preliminary Scoping Search: A quick, informal search of key databases can reveal the volume and type of available literature. If you find thousands of randomized controlled trials, a full Cochrane review may be feasible. If you find a scattered collection of diverse study types, a scoping review or a mixed-methods approach using JBI's methodology might be more appropriate.
  1. Assemble Your Toolkit: A successful review depends on having the right tools. This includes access to bibliographic databases, citation management software, and critical appraisal instruments. When conducting the appraisal and synthesis stages, identifying the best reference manager for annotations and note-taking can significantly streamline your workflow and prevent critical insights from getting lost in a sea of PDFs.

The Lasting Impact of Methodological Rigor

Ultimately, mastering the art of the systematic literature review is about more than just fulfilling an academic requirement. It is about contributing to the evidence base in a meaningful and trustworthy way. Each framework, from the rapid review designed for timely policy decisions to the comprehensive meta-analysis that can change clinical practice, serves a unique purpose. By selecting the appropriate methodology and executing it with precision, you ensure your work is not only robust and defensible but also genuinely useful to clinicians, policymakers, fellow researchers, and the communities they serve. This commitment to rigor is what transforms a simple literature summary into a powerful tool for advancing knowledge and driving evidence-informed decisions.
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