Medicine Subject Guides: Reporting your data

When reporting your findings for systematic review, here are some points which should be kept in mind:

Selecting the target audience and journals that align with the topic and findings of the systematic review ensures that the research reaches the intended audience. It increases the likelihood of the review being read and utilized by researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders who can benefit from the findings. By targeting the right audience and journals, the review can have a greater impact and contribute to the relevant field of study.

The PRISMA statement provides a checklist to ensure transparent and comprehensive reporting of systematic reviews. Adhering to such guidelines enhances the quality and transparency of your report.

Situate your findings within the broader context of the existing literature. Discuss how your findings align with or diverge from previous research. Provide a balanced assessment of the strengths and limitations of the available evidence.

Summarizes the findings of your systematic review objectively and avoid overgeneralization or extrapolation beyond the scope of the included studies. Discuss the clinical or practical significance of the findings and consider their implications for decision-making, policy, or future research.

Discussing the gap in the evidence in a systematic review is crucial as it helps to identify areas where research is limited or insufficient, and guides future research by highlighting unanswered questions or areas of uncertainty. By acknowledging these gaps, the review contributes to the understanding of the current state of knowledge and provides valuable guidance for researchers to focus on areas where evidence is lacking or conflicting, thus avoiding duplication of effort and maximizing the use of available research resources.

1. Choose the target audiences and target journal for your article.
2. Gather data tables and PRISMA chart.
3. Summarize and present the data.
4. Provide a general summary.
5. Discuss the gaps in the evidence.