- Research protocols explicitly describe the methods for the synthesis review
- Are based on the research question for the review
- Must be in place before the project gets underway
- Research protocols outline:
- rationale for the review
- review objectives
- methods to be used in locating, selecting and critically appraising identified studies, and
- methods for collecting, analysing and reporting data from included studies
Why do you need a research protocol?
Research protocols promote research integrity, accountability and transparency
- Protocols minimize bias by guarding against arbitrary decision-making as the review project proceeds
- Enable readers of published reviews to:
- appraise review methods
- detect variations from stated review methods
- assess for selective reporting
Preparing a research protocol
Key elements to be included in a research protocol:
- Protocol registration site (e.g. Prospero) and number
- Rationale & objectives for the review
- Inclusion & exclusion criteria: what studies are eligible for your review?
- Consider study designs, populations, years of publication, publication status, language, etc.
- Information sources to be searched
- Draft of literature searching strategy
- Strategy for managing records and data
- Screening & selection process
- Data extraction methods
- Data synthesis methods
Tools for preparing a research protocol
Registering a protocol
- It is good practice to register the review protocol before your project gets underway:
- provides an immutable record of your project
- increases transparency & rigour of research through improved planning
Protocol registries:
- PROSPERO -- international register of systematic review protocols in health sciences
- OSF Registries -- international, interdisciplinary registry for all forms of research including systematic reviews
Reference: Systematic Reviews in Health by Murray Turner at University of Canberra
Reference: Systematic Reviews by Lydia Thorne at University of Ontario Institute of Technology
