How to Write a Systematic Review in Medicine: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
A systematic review is one of the most valuable forms of evidence in medical research. It collects, evaluates, and synthesizes all relevant studies on a specific clinical question using a transparent and structured approach. Medical students, residents, and healthcare researchers worldwide often aim to publish systematic reviews, but the process can be complex and time-consuming. This comprehensive guide explains how to write and publish a high-quality medical systematic review — with expert guidance available from AJOHAZ Medical Writing Services.
What Is a Systematic Review?
A systematic review summarizes all available research evidence related to a well-defined medical question. Unlike narrative reviews, it follows a strict methodology that minimizes bias and ensures reproducibility. In medicine, systematic reviews form the foundation for clinical guidelines, treatment recommendations, and evidence-based decisions.
A well-executed systematic review typically answers a PICO-based question:
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P – Patient or Population
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I – Intervention
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C – Comparison
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O – Outcome
For example: “Does early administration of corticosteroids improve survival in severe COVID-19 patients compared with standard therapy?”
Why Systematic Reviews Matter in Medicine
Systematic reviews are the highest form of secondary evidence and are widely cited in clinical journals. In 2025, medical journals increasingly prioritize systematic reviews due to their ability to:
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Identify knowledge gaps and guide future research.
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Support healthcare policy development.
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Reduce research duplication.
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Improve patient care by consolidating global data.
Students and clinicians who publish systematic reviews often strengthen their academic profiles and enhance their chances of future research funding or postgraduate placements.
Steps to Write a Medical Systematic Review
1. Define the Research Question
Begin with a focused, answerable question. Avoid overly broad or vague topics. Use the PICO framework for clinical research questions.
2. Develop a Protocol
Before starting the review, create a protocol that outlines objectives, eligibility criteria, databases to search, and analysis methods. Register it with PROSPERO (an international database for systematic reviews) for credibility.
3. Conduct a Comprehensive Literature Search
Use multiple databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Combine medical subject headings (MeSH) and free-text terms using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT). Example search strategy:
(hypertension OR high blood pressure) AND (beta blockers OR ACE inhibitors)
4. Screen and Select Studies
Use software like Rayyan or Covidence for screening titles and abstracts. Apply your inclusion and exclusion criteria consistently. Record this process using a PRISMA flow diagram.
5. Extract Data Systematically
Prepare a data extraction sheet including author name, year, study design, sample size, interventions, outcomes, and key findings.
6. Assess the Quality of Studies
Evaluate each study’s methodological quality using validated tools such as Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized trials or Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies.
7. Analyze and Synthesize Results
Depending on your objective, you may conduct a qualitative synthesis or proceed to a meta-analysis if statistical data is available. Identify trends, highlight consistent findings, and discuss variations.
8. Write the Manuscript
Follow the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for structure:
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Title and Abstract
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Introduction
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Methods
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Results
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Discussion
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Conclusion
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References
Use clear, academic language and include relevant tables or figures for transparency.
9. Proofread and Submit to a Suitable Journal
Choose reputable peer-reviewed journals such as PLOS ONE, BMC Medicine, or Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine. Ensure all authors meet ICMJE authorship criteria.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Failing to register the protocol.
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Conducting a narrow or incomplete database search.
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Excluding studies without justification.
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Not following PRISMA structure.
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Submitting to predatory or low-impact journals.
Professional support from expert medical writers can help you avoid these issues and ensure your systematic review meets publication standards.
How AJOHAZ Supports Systematic Review Writing
AJOHAZ (www.ajohaz.com) provides full academic and professional assistance for systematic reviews in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, and public health. Services include:
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Topic selection and protocol design (PRISMA, PROSPERO registration).
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Database search strategy development.
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Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment.
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Writing, editing, and formatting the manuscript.
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Journal selection and submission support.
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Turnitin similarity check and reduction.
Every project is handled by experienced medical researchers and professional academic writers to ensure precision, originality, and credibility.
Why Researchers Prefer AJOHAZ
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International team of expert medical writers and biostatisticians.
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Turnitin-checked, peer-reviewed, and publication-ready manuscripts.
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Affordable packages for students and professionals across USA, UK, Gulf, and Asia.
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Personalized one-on-one guidance through every step.
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Fast delivery and 24/7 communication support.
For expert help in writing or publishing your systematic review, contact AJOHAZ Medical Writing Experts today.
Website: www.ajohaz.com
Email: ajohazteam@outlook.com
WhatsApp / Helpline: +92 324 9514394
