Methodology minute: A guide for infection preventionists for sizing up systematic reviews

Area of Science:

• Infection Prevention and Control
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Sciences Research Methodology

Background:

• Systematic reviews are a cornerstone for developing evidence-based practice guidelines in infection prevention.
• They represent the highest level of evidence, offering the most effective answers to clinical practice questions.
• Healthcare professionals, particularly infection preventionists, require proficiency in interpreting and critically evaluating systematic reviews.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of systematic reviews in infection prevention.
• To emphasize the need for infection preventionists to develop skills in critically appraising systematic review findings.
• To provide a brief overview of the key components inherent in conducting and reporting systematic literature reviews.

Main Methods:

• This content reviews the fundamental aspects of systematic literature reviews.
• It outlines the rigorous, pre-planned process designed to answer specific practice-related questions.
• The importance of detailed methodology, as presented in the final publication, is underscored.

Main Results:

• Systematic reviews are identified as a primary strategy for establishing evidence-based practice in infection prevention.
• The critical appraisal of these reviews is presented as essential for practical application.
• Key components of systematic reviews are briefly discussed.

Conclusions:

• Infection preventionists must be adept at reading and critically appraising systematic reviews.
• Mastery of systematic review evaluation ensures the effective translation of high-level evidence into practice.
• Understanding the structure and components of systematic reviews facilitates their application in improving patient care and safety.