[Tutorial for performing systematic review and meta-analysis with interventional anesthesia studies]

The systematic review of randomized clinical trials is crucial to assess the safety and effectiveness of intermediate procedures. The objective of this article is to present a tutorial for the planning and execution of systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trial studies.

The systematic literature review is the type of research that organizes, criticizes, and integrates available evidence published in the health field. Systematization leads to less bias, however, the quality of systematic reviews may not always be perceived due to the way it is described in the articles. The information disclosed in the articles is not always free of bias. The steps for carrying out a systematic review include design, protocol registration, implementation, mathematical analysis of results, and dissemination. PRISMA statement has improved the quality of systematic review reports by providing a list of items to be described, and this article emphasizes the key steps for performing a systematic review of interventions.

The evidence generated through a systematic review can provide the clinician with greater confidence in decision making at the moment of clinical practice and optimize the benefits to his patients, serving as a tool to assist managers in making decisions regarding the implementation of new strategies in favor of the public health.