The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews.

Area of Science:

• Medical Research Methodology
• Evidence Synthesis
• Scientific Reporting Standards

Background:

• The original Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was published in 2009.
• Advances in systematic review methodology and terminology over the past decade necessitate an updated guideline.
• The PRISMA 2020 statement supersedes the 2009 version.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the updated PRISMA 2020 reporting guideline.
• To provide enhanced guidance for transparently reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
• To incorporate recent methodological advancements in the field.

Main Methods:

• The PRISMA 2020 statement includes a 27-item checklist.
• An expanded checklist details reporting recommendations for each item.
• Revised flow diagrams for original and updated reviews are presented.
• A specific checklist for PRISMA 2020 abstracts is included.

Main Results:

• The PRISMA 2020 statement offers new reporting guidance.
• Guidance reflects advances in methods for identifying, selecting, appraising, and synthesizing studies.
• The structure and presentation of items are modified for easier implementation.

Conclusions:

• The PRISMA 2020 statement is the current standard for reporting systematic reviews.
• It ensures transparency and reflects contemporary best practices in evidence synthesis.
• Researchers are encouraged to adopt the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for their systematic reviews.