title: How to get started with a systematic review in epidemiology: an introductory guide for early career researchers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Systematic review is a powerful research tool which aims to identify and synthesize all evidence relevant to a research question. The approach taken is much like that used in a scientific experiment, with high priority given to the transparency and reproducibility of the methods used and to handling all evidence in a consistent manner.Early career researchers may find themselves in a position where they decide to undertake a systematic review, for example it may form part or all of a PhD thesis. Those with no prior experience of systematic review may need considerable support and direction getting started with such a project. Here we set out in simple terms how to get started with a systematic review.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Advice is given on matters such as developing a review protocol, searching using databases and other methods, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and data synthesis including meta-analysis. Signposts to further information and useful resources are also given.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A well-conducted systematic review benefits the scientific field by providing a summary of existing evidence and highlighting unanswered questions. For the individual, undertaking a systematic review is also a great opportunity to improve skills in critical appraisal and in synthesising evidence.
authors.affiliation: MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: Hayley J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Denison
authors.affiliation: MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.|Academic Geriatric Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Dodds
authors.affiliation: MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: Georgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ntani
authors.affiliation: MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.affiliation: MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: Cyrus
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.affiliation: MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.|Academic Geriatric Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: Avan Aihie
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Sayer
authors.affiliation: MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: Janis
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baird
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