What is a systematic review designed to do?

A systematic review is designed to present a comprehensive and methodological approach to retrieving and synthesizing relevant literature on a specific topic or research question. This process involves a structured and transparent method that seeks to minimize bias and provide an accurate overview of all available evidence, including various study designs and outcomes.

By following a defined protocol, systematic reviews facilitate the aggregation and comparison of findings from multiple studies, which allows researchers and practitioners to draw informed conclusions based on a wider body of evidence. This methodological rigor is essential for ensuring that the results are reliable and can be applied in practice, making it a crucial component of evidence-based research.

In contrast, simply summarizing primary studies without bias does not encompass the broader methodological framework necessary for a systematic review, nor does it guarantee the depth and rigor involved in literature retrieval. Meanwhile, focusing exclusively on observational studies or conducting individual case studies would limit the scope and comprehensiveness of the review, which goes against the principle of a systematic review that aims to include all relevant evidence.