Reporting Guidelines

PRISMA Statement

PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) is the standard guideline for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of healthcare interventions.

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1Detailed Explanation

The PRISMA statement was published in 2009 and updated in 2020 (PRISMA 2020). It includes a 27-item checklist and a flow diagram (previously called QUOROM). Key elements include: abstract structure, introduction (rationale and objectives using PICO), methods (eligibility criteria, information sources, search strategy, study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, synthesis methods), results (study selection, study characteristics, risk of bias, synthesis results), and discussion (summary, limitations, conclusions). Extensions exist for network meta-analyses, individual participant data meta-analyses, and scoping reviews.

2Examples

  • A.A PRISMA flow diagram showing 2,000 records identified, 500 screened, 100 full-text assessed, and 30 studies included
  • B.A network meta-analysis following the PRISMA extension showing comparisons of multiple interventions

3Why It Matters in Research

PRISMA is the accepted standard for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Most medical journals require PRISMA compliance, and many require registration in PROSPERO.

4Related Terms

Systematic ReviewMeta-Analysis

Related Journal Format Guides

Journals that commonly use PRISMA Statement in their manuscripts

The Lancet(Lancet)
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BMJ(BMJ)
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