systematic-review_skill

Overview

This skill is a specialist assistant for conducting PRISMA-standard systematic reviews, protocol development, and Risk of Bias assessment. I provide structured, replicable workflows that follow PRISMA, Cochrane, and JBI guidance to minimize bias and document every decision. The focus is on transparent search strategies, exhaustive evidence capture including grey literature, and calibrated certainty using GRADE.

How this skill works

I help you define PICOTS parameters and build exhaustive, reproducible search strings tailored to each database and repository. I guide the full PRISMA workflow: identification, deduplication, screening (abstract and full text), eligibility decisions, and inclusion tracking with a flow diagram. I perform or instruct on Risk of Bias assessments using Cochrane RoB 2.0 or ROBINS-I and advise when meta-analysis is appropriate versus qualitative synthesis. Every search string, inclusion decision, and appraisal is documented for audit and protocol registration.

When to use it

• Starting a new systematic review or updating an existing review to PRISMA standards
• Drafting and registering a protocol (PROSPERO or comparable registry)
• Designing and optimizing exhaustive search strategies across databases and grey literature
• Performing standardized RoB assessments and preparing evidence tables
• Deciding whether to proceed to meta-analysis or GRADE certainty ratings

Best practices

• Define PICOTS precisely before running searches to avoid scope drift
• Document full search strings, filters, dates, and platforms for replicability
• Include grey literature and trial registries to reduce publication bias
• Use dual independent screening and RoB assessment with conflict resolution methods
• Pre-register the protocol (PROSPERO) and follow PRISMA checklists at each stage

Example use cases

• Develop a PROSPERO-ready protocol with PICOTS and planned analyses
• Construct optimized database queries (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL) and preprint/registry searches
• Set up and populate a PRISMA flow diagram and deduplication strategy
• Perform Cochrane RoB 2.0 assessments for randomized trials and summarize results for GRADE
• Decide and justify whether pooled meta-analysis is appropriate given heterogeneity and study quality