Digital Tools to Support the Systematic Review Process: An Introduction

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Evidence-Based Medicine
• Health Research Methodology

Background:

• Systematic reviews are crucial for evidence-based decision-making but are time-consuming.
• Current methods can delay the integration of new evidence into practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce digital tools that enhance systematic review processes.
• To highlight the functionality, availability, and validation of these tools.

Main Methods:

• A review of digital evidence synthesis tools for systematic reviews was conducted.
• Tools were identified for various stages: search, reference management, study selection, data extraction, and appraisal.
• Emphasis was placed on validated tools with independent evaluations.

Main Results:

• Comprehensive tools (EPPI-Reviewer, Covidence, DistillerSR, JBI-SUMARI) support full review cycles.
• Specialized tools exist for evidence search, reference management, study selection prioritization, and risk bias assessment.
• Machine learning and AI enhance efficiency but necessitate informed end-user evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Digital tools, especially AI-integrated ones, significantly advance systematic review methodology.
• These tools can improve the timeliness and quality of evidence for decision-making.
• Findings are relevant for clinicians, researchers, and systematic review producers.