Systematic Literature Review: Protocol

Guidance for creating your protocol can be found at PRISMA-P (link opens in a new window) or by working through the online training on protocols available at the Cochrane Library (link opens in a new window).

The Central Library also plans to run a training course on writing a systematic review protocol.

A protocol describes your proposed systematic review, including your proposed methods, the reason for the review, and steps you will take to eliminate bias while conducting the review.

Registering your protocol stakes your claim on the research, and it also means that you have done a significant portion of the work before you formally begin the review, as you will have written your Methods section in draft form and planned what you will need to document and report by the time the protocol is finished.

Most protocols are registered with PROSPERO (the link opens in a new window).
Other protocols are registered with the Cochrane and Campbell Collaboration (the link opens in a new window).
Open Access Tool for Protocol Registration OSF, Open Registries Network (the link opens in a new window).
Review this paper for more information on Systematic Review Protocols and Protocol Registries (the link opens in a new window).