Systematic Review Protocol
A pre-registered document outlining the rationale, objectives, eligibility criteria, search strategy, and planned analysis for a systematic review before study commencement.
Full Definition
A systematic review protocol is a prospectively registered plan for conducting a systematic review, published or deposited in a repository such as PROSPERO before data collection begins. In dental research, protocols follow reporting guidelines such as PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses – Protocols). Key components include the PICO(S) framework (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Study design), search terms, databases to be searched, risk of bias assessment tools, and statistical methods for any planned meta-analysis. Editors of dental research journals must verify that the protocol registration number is cited in the methods section and that the published review aligns with the registered protocol, noting any deviations. Deviation from a registered protocol without disclosure is a significant ethical and editorial concern.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from a 'clinical trial protocol,' which governs an interventional study. Always check that the PROSPERO registration number is present and matches the version described in the manuscript.
In Context
- "The systematic review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42023456789) prior to database searching." — Methods section of a systematic review
- "Authors must disclose all deviations from the registered systematic review protocol in a clearly labelled subsection." — Journal submission guidelines