Systematic Reviews: Develop & Register a Protocol

This guide provides information and resources which may be helpful when undertaking a systematic review or other type of knowledge synthesis.

Develop Your Research Protocol

A protocol is a plan or set of steps to which a study will adhere. A protocol for a systematic review should describe:

  • The rationale for the review
  • The objectives of the review
  • The methods that will be used to locate, select, and critically appraise studies
  • The methods that will be used to analyze data from the included studies

Development of a protocol is necessary because it promotes transparency, helps reduce the potential for bias, and serves to avoid unintended duplication of reviews.

Consult Cochrane Interactive Learning Module 2: Writing the Review Protocol for further information.  *Please note you will need to register for a Cochrane account while initially on the Mayo network. You'll receive an email message containing a link to create a password and activate your account.*