Campbell Standards: Modernizing Campbell's Methodologic Expectations for Campbell Collaboration Intervention Reviews...

Area of Science:

• Systematic Review Methodology
• Research Synthesis Standards
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• The previous Methodological Expectations for Campbell Collaboration Intervention Reviews (MECCIR) were lengthy and difficult to cross-reference.
• There was a need to adapt guidelines for new review types, including reviews of associations or risk factors.
• Feedback indicated a desire for a more holistic and integrated checklist for both conduct and reporting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modernize and shorten the MECCIR guidance and checklist.
• To create a unified checklist encompassing conduct and reporting for all Campbell Collaboration review types.
• To enhance relevance for quantitative non-intervention reviews.

Main Methods:

• A virtual working group of Campbell members with systematic review and methods editor experience was formed.
• Existing MECCIR items were aligned with conduct principles from PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extensions and PRISMA-2020.
• Nine meetings were held to refine the checklist and guidance, with feedback sought from Campbell editors and specialists.

Main Results:

• A new Campbell Standards guidance document with a unified checklist has been developed.
• The guidance comprises seven main sections and 35 distinct items.
• The updated standards integrate conduct and reporting expectations, aligning with PRISMA guidelines for reporting.

Conclusions:

• The updated Campbell Standards provide a more concise and holistic framework for systematic reviews.
• Authors are recommended to use the checklist throughout the review process (protocol, conduct, reporting).
• The standards will be a living document, updated periodically based on new evidence and community feedback.