Systematic review tools are online platforms or software applications specifically created to simplify the systematic review process. They aid researchers at different phases of the review, such as screening and selection, data extraction, quality assessment, data synthesis, and reference management. These tools frequently promote team collaboration and help ensure compliance with reporting guidelines.
Rayyan - An online tool designed to streamline the abstract screening process. Basic free version allows having 3 simultaneous reviewers in the project, import and export of references from various databases and platforms, mobile app access and assigning labels.
Learn how to use Rayyan.
ASReview - an AI-aided Open Source Systematic Review Software developed at Utrecht University which is designed to support researchers in reviewing extensive volumes of text. It combines machine learning with researchers' expertise to identify relevant results and streamline the screening process.
Learn more about ASReviewer Lab.
Systematic Review Accelerator (SRA) - Free online software created at Bond University, that offers a comprehensive set of tools to support various stages of the process. This platform includes the Methods Wizard, which assists researchers in writing the methods section of their protocols. It also features a Word Frequency Analyzer for optimising search strategy development, a Search Refinery to streamline the retrieval of the most relevant literature, and a Search Translator that facilitates the translation of search queries between different databases. In addition, the software includes a deduplication tool, a screening tool, and a citation searching tool. These features collectively serve to simplify and enhance the systematic review process.
Learn how to use the SR Accelerator.
SR Accelerator help guide.
Systematic Review Data Repository (SRDR) - Web-based tool designed to serve both as a repository and a data extraction tool. It allows for the global sharing of data among entities and individuals engaged in creating systematic reviews. Platform allows assigning team members to each task, detailed abstract screening, data extraction, comparison and exporting.
Learn how to use SRDR.
RefWorks - bibliographic management software that allows to collect, store, organise, add notes, link (to full-text, web pages and documents), cite and create bibliographies in preferred reference style. RefWorks also includes the function which allows duplicate detection and removal.
Learn how to remove duplicates in RefWorks.
Other:
EQUATOR Network - an online catalogue of research reporting guidelines for different types of studies and reviews pertaining to health care.
Compiled by:
Agata Scicluna Derkowska - Senior Assistant Librarian, University of Malta.
Emanuel Schembri - Visiting lecturer at the Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta.
Last updated: 17 Nov, 2023