Innovations in data collection, management, and archiving for systematic reviews

Ann Intern Med. 2015 Feb 17;162(4):287-94. doi: 10.7326/M14-1603.

Abstract

Data abstraction is a key step in conducting systematic reviews because data collected from study reports form the basis of appropriate conclusions. Recent methodological standards and expectations highlight several principles for data collection. To support implementation of these standards, this article provides a step-by-step tutorial for selecting data collection tools; constructing data collection forms; and abstracting, managing, and archiving data for systematic reviews. Examples are drawn from recent experience using the Systematic Review Data Repository for data collection and management. If it is done well, data collection for systematic reviews only needs to be done by 1 team and placed into a publicly accessible database for future use. Technological innovations, such as the Systematic Review Data Repository, will contribute to finding trustworthy answers for many health and health care questions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Abstracting and Indexing / standards
  • Data Collection / methods*
  • Data Collection / standards
  • Forms and Records Control / standards
  • Humans
  • Information Storage and Retrieval / methods*
  • Information Storage and Retrieval / standards
  • Quality Control
  • Review Literature as Topic*