Guide to Screening for Systematic Reviews

This document is a practical guide to screening for systematic reviews. It aims to assist researchers in planning and managing the screening processes necessary for systematic reviews, regardless of their experience level. The guide compiles best practices and tips from the global systematic review community, providing clear definitions and practical advice. It emphasizes the importance of screening as a critical step in literature reviews, ensuring that only relevant studies are included based on pre-specified eligibility criteria. The guide outlines the screening process, which typically includes title and abstract screening followed by full text screening. It also discusses the roles of the screening team, the necessity of blinding to reduce bias, and the importance of documenting the review protocol. Additionally, the guide highlights the significance of maintaining methodological rigor through independent screening and conflict resolution strategies. By adhering to these practices, researchers can enhance the credibility and reliability of their systematic reviews.