Systematic reviews are complex and time-consuming research projects that require a high level of expertise and experience. Although some systematic reviews take months, and a few have been conducted in as little as two weeks, the average systematic review takes over a year to complete. This is especially the case with smaller, less experienced, or busy teams. Given all of that, how can a summer student interested in gaining some experience with knowledge synthesis research contribute in a meaningful way to a systematic review that is both publishable and high quality?
A high quality systematic review needs to be based on a solid, thoughtful protocol, and journals are increasingly requiring registered or published protocols before accepting systematic reviews. Working on the development of a protocol gives the student the chance to learn about the subject of the review, learn how to assess the feasibility of a review, and become familiar with systematic review guidelines, standards and methodologies.
Depending on the timing, joining a pre-existing review team to work on these tasks can help move the project along more quickly while allowing the student to see the SR process from the inside and become familiar with the literature on the topic.
Systematic reviews require a lot of record keeping and documentation. Learning about the requirements and then gathering, creating and organizing that information is not exciting, but can provide insight into good systematic review practices and processes.
It is unlikely that a summer student will have the time and expertise to work on a systematic review from beginning to end. However there are many ways students can meaningfully contribute to systematic review projects. UHN Libraries recommends starting summer students off on the right foot by attending our review related workshops (also available on-demand), and reviewing our Systematic Review Overview guide.
If you are considering taking on a systematic review, scoping review or other knowledge synthesis and you would like expert search support or collaboration check out our Knowledge Synthesis Services. If you have any questions, contact your Information Specialist!
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