literature review flowchart template

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• PRISMA flow diagram generator

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• PRISMA flow diagram templates

This tool, developed by PRISMA, can be used to develop a PRISMA flow diagram in order to report on systematic reviews.

The flow diagram depicts the flow of information through the different phases of a systematic review. It maps out the number of records identified, included and excluded, and the reasons for exclusions.

The aim of the PRISMA Statement is to help authors report a wide array of systematic reviews to assess the benefits and harms of a health care intervention. PRISMA focuses on ways in which authors can ensure the transparent and complete reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

We have adopted the definitions of systematic review and meta-analysis used by the Cochrane Collaboration [9]. A systematic review is a review of a clearly formulated question that uses systematic and explicit methods to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research, and to collect and analyse data from the studies that are included in the review. Statistical methods (meta-analysis) may or may not be used to analyse and summarise the results of the included studies. Meta-analysis refers to the use of statistical techniques in a systematic review to integrate the results of included studies.

PRISMA (n.d.). PRISMA Flow Diagram Generator . Retrieved from: https://estech.shinyapps.io/prisma_flowdiagram/

PRISMA (n.d.). PRISMA Flow Diagram Generator . Retrieved from: http://prisma-statement.org/PRISMAStatement/

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• UNC Libraries
• HSL Academic Process
• Systematic Reviews
• Step 8: Write the Review

Systematic Reviews: Step 8: Write the Review

Created by health science librarians.

• Step 1: Complete Pre-Review Tasks
• Step 2: Develop a Protocol
• Step 3: Conduct Literature Searches
• Step 4: Manage Citations
• Step 5: Screen Citations
• Step 6: Assess Quality of Included Studies
• Step 7: Extract Data from Included Studies

About Step 8: Write the Review

Write your review, report your review with prisma, review sections, plain language summaries for systematic reviews, writing the review- webinars.

• Writing the Review FAQs

  Check our FAQ's

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In Step 8, you will write an article or a paper about your systematic review.  It will likely have five sections: introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.  You will: 

• Review the reporting standards you will use, such as PRISMA. 
• Gather your completed data tables and PRISMA chart. 
• Write the Introduction to the topic and your study, Methods of your research, Results of your research, and Discussion of your results.
• Write an Abstract describing your study and a Conclusion summarizing your paper. 
• Cite the studies included in your systematic review and any other articles you may have used in your paper. 
• If you wish to publish your work, choose a target journal for your article.

The PRISMA Checklist will help you report the details of your systematic review. Your paper will also include a PRISMA chart that is an image of your research process. 

Click an item below to see how it applies to Step 8: Write the Review.

Reporting your review with PRISMA

To write your review, you will need the data from your PRISMA flow diagram .  Review the PRISMA checklist to see which items you should report in your methods section.

Managing your review with Covidence

When you screen in Covidence, it will record the numbers you need for your PRISMA flow diagram from duplicate removal through inclusion of studies.  You may need to add additional information, such as the number of references from each database, citations you find through grey literature or other searching methods, or the number of studies found in your previous work if you are updating a systematic review.

How a librarian can help with Step 8

A librarian can advise you on the process of organizing and writing up your systematic review, including: 

• Applying the PRISMA reporting templates and the level of detail to include for each element
• How to report a systematic review search strategy and your review methodology in the completed review
• How to use prior published reviews to guide you in organizing your manuscript 

Reporting standards & guidelines

Be sure to reference reporting standards when writing your review. This helps ensure that you communicate essential components of your methods, results, and conclusions. There are a number of tools that can be used to ensure compliance with reporting guidelines. A few review-writing resources are listed below.

• Cochrane Handbook - Chapter 15: Interpreting results and drawing conclusions
• JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis - Chapter 12.3 The systematic review
• PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) The aim of the PRISMA Statement is to help authors improve the reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Tools for writing your review

• RevMan (Cochrane Training)
• Methods Wizard (Systematic Review Accelerator) The Methods Wizard is part of the Systematic Review Accelerator created by Bond University and the Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare.
• UNC HSL Systematic Review Manuscript Template Systematic review manuscript template(.doc) adapted from the PRISMA 2020 checklist. This document provides authors with template for writing about their systematic review. Each table contains a PRISMA checklist item that should be written about in that section, the matching PRISMA Item number, and a box where authors can indicate if an item has been completed. Once text has been added, delete any remaining instructions and the PRISMA checklist tables from the end of each section.
• The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews The PRISMA 2020 statement replaces the 2009 statement and includes new reporting guidance that reflects advances in methods to identify, select, appraise, and synthesise studies.
• PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration: updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews This document is intended to enhance the use, understanding and dissemination of the PRISMA 2020 Statement. Through examples and explanations, the meaning and rationale for each checklist item are presented.

The PRISMA checklist

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) is a 27-item checklist used to improve transparency in systematic reviews. These items cover all aspects of the manuscript, including title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and funding. The PRISMA checklist can be downloaded in PDF or Word files.

• PRISMA 2020 Checklists Download the 2020 PRISMA Checklists in Word or PDF formats or download the expanded checklist (PDF).

The PRISMA flow diagram

The PRISMA Flow Diagram visually depicts the flow of studies through each phase of the review process. The PRISMA Flow Diagram can be downloaded in Word files.

• PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagrams The flow diagram depicts the flow of information through the different phases of a systematic review. It maps out the number of records identified, included and excluded, and the reasons for exclusions. Different templates are available depending on the type of review (new or updated) and sources used to identify studies.

Documenting grey literature and/or hand searches

If you have also searched additional sources, such as professional organization websites, cited or citing references, etc., document your grey literature search using the flow diagram template version 1 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for new systematic reviews which included searches of databases, registers and other sources or the version 2 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for updated systematic reviews which included searches of databases, registers and other sources . 

Complete the boxes documenting your database searches,  Identification of studies via databases and registers, according to the PRISMA flow diagram instructions.  Complete the boxes documenting your grey literature and/or hand searches on the right side of the template, Identification of studies via other methods, using the steps below.

Need help completing the PRISMA flow diagram?

There are different PRISMA flow diagram templates for new and updated reviews, as well as different templates for reviews with and without grey literature searches. Be sure you download the correct template to match your review methods, then follow the steps below for each portion of the diagram you have available.

View the step-by-step explanation of the PRISMA flow diagram

Step 1: Preparation Download the flow diagram template version 1 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for new systematic reviews which included searches of databases and registers only or the version 2 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for updated systematic reviews which included searches of databases and registers only . 

View the step-by-step explanation of the grey literature & hand searching portion of the PRISMA flow diagram

Step 1: Preparation Download the flow diagram template version 1 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for new systematic reviews which included searches of databases, registers and other sources or the version 2 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for updated systematic reviews which included searches of databases, registers and other sources . 

View the step-by-step explanation of review update portion of the PRISMA flow diagram

Step 1: Preparation Download the flow diagram template version 2 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for updated systematic reviews which included searches of databases and registers only or the version 2 PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for updated systematic reviews which included searches of databases, registers and other sources . 

For more information about updating your systematic review, see the box Updating Your Review? on the Step 3: Conduct Literature Searches page of the guide.

Sections of a Scientific Manuscript

Scientific articles often follow the IMRaD format: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.  You will also need a title and an abstract to summarize your research.

You can read more about scientific writing through the library guides below.

• Structure of Scholarly Articles & Peer Review • Explains the standard parts of a medical research article • Compares scholarly journals, professional trade journals, and magazines • Explains peer review and how to find peer reviewed articles and journals
• Writing in the Health Sciences (For Students and Instructors)
• Citing & Writing Tools & Guides Includes links to guides for popular citation managers such as EndNote, Sciwheel, Zotero; copyright basics; APA & AMA Style guides; Plagiarism & Citing Sources; Citing & Writing: How to Write Scientific Papers

Sections of a Systematic Review Manuscript

Systematic reviews follow the same structure as original research articles, but you will need to report on your search instead of on details like the participants or sampling. Sections of your manuscript are shown as bold headings in the PRISMA checklist.

Refer to the PRISMA checklist for more information.

Consider including a Plain Language Summary (PLS) when you publish your systematic review. Like an abstract, a PLS gives an overview of your study, but is specifically written and formatted to be easy for non-experts to understand. 

Tips for writing a PLS:

• Use clear headings e.g. "why did we do this study?"; "what did we do?"; "what did we find?"
• Use active voice e.g. "we searched for articles in 5 databases instead of "5 databases were searched"
• Consider need-to-know vs. nice-to-know: what is most important for readers to understand about your study? Be sure to provide the most important points without misrepresenting your study or misleading the reader. 
• Keep it short: Many journals recommend keeping your plain language summary less than 250 words. 
• Check journal guidelines: Your journal may have specific guidelines about the format of your plain language summary and when you can publish it. Look at journal guidelines before submitting your article. 

Learn more about Plain Language Summaries: 

• Rosenberg, A., Baróniková, S., & Feighery, L. (2021). Open Pharma recommendations for plain language summaries of peer-reviewed medical journal publications. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 37(11), 2015–2016.  https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2021.1971185
• Lobban, D., Gardner, J., & Matheis, R. (2021). Plain language summaries of publications of company-sponsored medical research: what key questions do we need to address? Current Medical Research and Opinion, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/03007995.2021.1997221
• Cochrane Community. (2022, March 21). Updated template and guidance for writing Plain Language Summaries in Cochrane Reviews now available. https://community.cochrane.org/news/updated-template-and-guidance-writing-plain-language-summaries-cochrane-reviews-now-available
• You can also look at our Health Literacy LibGuide:  https://guides.lib.unc.edu/healthliteracy 

How to Approach Writing a Background Section

What Makes a Good Discussion Section

Writing Up Risk of Bias

Developing Your Implications for Research Section

• << Previous: Step 7: Extract Data from Included Studies
• Next: FAQs >>
• Last Updated: May 16, 2024 3:24 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.unc.edu/systematic-reviews

How to Create an Effective PRISMA Flow Diagram

A PRISMA flow diagram is a visual representation of the study selection process in a systematic review or meta-analysis. PRISMA flow charts help improve transparency, methodological quality, and reporting in these types of studies, making it easier for authors, reviewers, and readers to understand the research process and assess potential biases.

Updated on December 27, 2023

If you’ve ever read a systematic review and/or meta-analysis , you may have noticed that the authors followed the “PRISMA guidelines”. But what exactly does that mean?

According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) website, “PRISMA is an evidence-based minimum set of items for reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. PRISMA primarily focuses on the reporting of reviews evaluating the effects of interventions, but can also be used as a basis for reporting systematic reviews with objectives other than evaluating interventions (e.g. evaluating etiology, prevalence, diagnosis or prognosis).”

What is a PRISMA flow diagram?

A PRISMA flow diagram is an image that shows the flow of information in a systematic review or meta-analysis. PRISMA stands for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, which is an evidence-based set of reporting guidelines developed to improve the transparency and quality of reporting in these types of studies.

A PRISMA flow diagram provides a visual overview of the different stages in a systematic review or meta-analysis, including the identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and inclusion of studies. It helps researchers and readers understand the study selection process in the review and any reasons for excluding certain studies.

The flow diagram typically starts with the initial number of studies identified through database searches. It then outlines the number of studies remaining after removing duplicates and the number of studies excluded at each stage based on predefined eligibility criteria. Finally, it shows the number of studies included in the final analysis.

The PRISMA flow chart is an important component of a systematic review or meta-analysis , as it provides a clear overview of the study selection process. It allows readers to assess the rigor and comprehensiveness of the review and helps researchers avoid bias or potential errors in study selection.

What are the benefits of using PRISMA?

For authors:.

• Transparency : PRISMA flow charts enhance the transparency of the research process and help authors clearly communicate the steps taken to identify, screen, and include/exclude studies, promoting transparency and reproducibility.
• Methodological quality : A PRISMA flow diagram helps authors maintain a clear and organized record of their study selection process, which is crucial in assessing the reliability and validity of the review.
• Reduced bias : A PRISMA flow diagram documents the number of studies identified, screened, and included/excluded, with the reasons for exclusion. This transparency helps readers evaluate potential bias and assess the generalizability of the findings.
• Enhanced reporting : A PRISMA flow diagram supplements the written description of the study selection process, allowing authors to present a comprehensive and visually appealing summary of their work. This visual representation helps readers quickly understand the selection of studies and the reasons for their inclusion or exclusion.
• Compliance with guidelines : Many academic journals and research institutions require authors to adhere to PRISMA guidelines when conducting systematic reviews or meta-analyses. 

For Journal Peer Reviewers and Editors: 

• Evaluation of study selection process : PRISMA flow diagrams allow reviewers and editors to evaluate the study selection process followed by the authors. The flow diagram provides a clear overview of the number of records identified, screened, and included/excluded at each stage, enabling reviewers to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of the review. 
• Assessment of bias and generalizability : By reviewing the PRISMA flow chart, reviewers can examine the reasons for excluding studies from the review. This information allows them to evaluate potential sources of bias and assess the generalizability of the findings. 
• Reproducibility and transparency : PRISMA flow diagrams enhance the reproducibility and transparency of research. Reviewers and other researchers can easily follow the flow diagram to repeat the steps taken by the authors in selecting studies for inclusion.
• Compliance with guidelines : PRISMA flow diagrams are aligned with the PRISMA guidelines and checklist. Reviewers can use the flow diagram to ensure that the authors have complied with these guidelines and followed appropriate reporting standards.
• Assessment of methodological quality : Reviewers can use the PRISMA flow diagram as a tool to evaluate the methodological quality of the systematic review or meta-analysis. They can ensure that all relevant studies have been included and irrelevant ones excluded. 

What is included in a PRISMA flow diagram?

 A PRISMA flow diagram includes several elements and provides a visual representation of the study selection process in a systematic review or meta-analysis. Blow are the key components typically included in a PRISMA flow diagram:

1) Identification

The flow diagram starts with the initial number of records identified through various sources such as literature databases, manual searches, or other means.

Flow diagram from:  Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, Boutron I, Hoffmann TC, Mulrow CD, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n71. For more information, visit: http://www.prisma-statement.org/

2) Screening

It shows the number of records remaining after removing duplicates. This stage involves screening the titles and abstracts of the identified records to assess their relevance to the research question or objective.

3) Eligibility

The flow diagram indicates the number of studies that passed the initial screening and proceeded to the next stage. At this stage, full-text articles of potentially relevant studies are assessed against predetermined eligibility criteria.

4) Inclusion/Exclusion 

It presents the number of studies included in the systematic review or meta-analysis. These studies have met the predefined eligibility criteria and are considered suitable for further analysis. The flow diagram highlights the number of studies excluded at different stages and the reasons for their exclusion. Common reasons for exclusion include irrelevance to the research question, inadequate study design, insufficient data, or failure to meet specific inclusion criteria.

5) Data Extraction

Depending on the study design and objectives, the flow diagram may include a stage for data extraction, where the number of studies included for data extraction is recorded. Data extraction involves extracting relevant information from the included studies, such as study characteristics, outcomes, and effect sizes.

6) Synthesis

While not always included in the flow diagram, some flow diagrams may show the number of studies included in the synthesis or analysis phase. This stage involves synthesizing the findings of the included studies, often through statistical methods, to draw overall conclusions.

PRISMA flow diagram examples and templates

Examples of and templates for PRISMA flow diagrams can be found on the PRISMA webpage .

PRISMA flow chart best practices

When creating a PRISMA flow diagram, it is important to follow certain best practices to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to the PRISMA guidelines. 

Before creating the flow diagram, thoroughly read and understand the PRISMA guidelines. Familiarize yourself with the recommended reporting items and the flow diagram structure specified in the guidelines.

Avoid overcrowding the flow diagram with excessive text or unnecessary details. Use concise and clear descriptions for each stage, ensuring that readers can easily follow the flow of information.

Include the necessary information in each step of the flow chart. This typically includes the number of studies or records at each stage (n= ), reasons for exclusion (if applicable), and the final number of studies included in the analysis.

Use consistent terminology throughout the flow diagram. Ensure that the terms used in the flow diagram match those used in the text. 

If possible, provide detailed information on the reasons for excluding studies at each stage. This can include specific eligibility criteria not met, study design limitations, or any other relevant details that justify exclusion. However, be mindful of space constraints and the need for readability.

Double-check the accuracy of the flow diagram by cross-referencing it with the study selection process described in the text. Ensure that the flow diagram accurately represents the steps taken and the number of studies at each stage.

 If any changes occur during the review process (e.g., updated searches, additional screening rounds), update the flow diagram accordingly to reflect the most current information accurately.

Challenges with PRISMA flow diagrams

While PRISMA flow diagrams have several benefits, there are also some challenges associated with their creation and interpretation. Here are some common challenges:

• Complexity of the study selection process : The study selection process in systematic reviews or meta-analyses can be complex, involving multiple screening rounds, eligibility criteria, and decision-making criteria. Representing this complexity in a concise and clear flow diagram can be challenging, especially when dealing with a large number of studies.
• Space constraints : Journals often have limitations on the space available for figures and flow diagrams. PRISMA flow diagrams need to be designed to fit within these limitations, which can make it difficult to include all relevant information and maintain readability.
• Limited information in the flow diagram : PRISMA flow charts provide a summary of the study selection process but may not capture all the details and nuances of the inclusion and exclusion decisions. The flow diagram alone may not fully explain the reasons behind each decision, which may require referring to the main text for more comprehensive information.
• Evolving review process : Systematic reviews and meta-analyses can be iterative processes, involving ongoing updates, additional searches, or changes in inclusion/exclusion criteria. Keeping the flow diagram up to date with these changes can be challenging, especially if multiple versions of the flow diagram exist.
• Interpretation challenges : Readers and reviewers may interpret the flow diagram differently, leading to potential misunderstandings or misinterpretations. The flow diagram should be designed and described in a way that minimizes ambiguity and maximizes clarity.

Final thoughts

PRISMA flow diagrams benefit both authors and readers by promoting transparency, methodological quality, reduced bias, enhanced reporting, and compliance with guidelines. They contribute to the overall quality and credibility of the systematic review or meta-analysis, enabling readers to assess the reliability and validity of the study selection process. 

PRISMA flow diagrams remain valuable tools for summarizing and visualizing the study selection process in both systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

For more in-depth information about PRISMA flow charts, check out the article titled PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration: updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews in the BMJ .

Catherine Zettel Nalen, MS

Academic Editor, Specialist, and Journal Recommendation Team Lead

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PRISMA 2020 Template for Systematic and Living Reviews

Automate every stage of your literature review to produce evidence-based research faster and more accurately.

A systematic review is a rigorous research method that involves systematically identifying, collecting, and appraising existing literature to answer a well-defined question. To ensure the transparent reporting of these reviews, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was designed in 2009. The PRISMA statement guidelines inform the methodology of systematic reviews to ensure that they transparently report the rationale, processes, and findings behind them. After a little more than a decade, PRISMA was updated in 2020. The new version includes an expanded 27-point checklist and a refreshed 4-stage flow diagram that now incorporates a living review flowchart for systematic reviews .

Changes in the New PRISMA 2020

The eleven years since PRISMA was originally published have seen a lot of significant changes – progress has been made in technology, processes, and methods used in systematic reviews, and the new PRISMA (2020) brings much-needed revitalization that accommodates all of these. Just like its predecessor, the current PRISMA statement guidelines aim to promote transparent reporting in systematic reviews. It does this through a 27-item checklist and a flow diagram. Here’s what you should know about these two key tools, and how they’ve changed from their previous versions:

PRISMA 2020 Checklist

The PRISMA 2020 checklist includes new items and sub-items, as well as items now divided into sub-items. Among them include the addition of the “certainty assessment,” “certainty of evidence,” “competing interests,” and “availability of data, code, and other materials,” as well as additional sections under “study selection” and “synthesis of results.” Here’s the full list:

• Eligibility criteria
• Information sources
• Search strategy
• Selection process
• Data collection process
• Study risk of bias assessment
• Effect measures
• Synthesis methods
• Reporting bias assessment
• Certainty assessment
• Study selection
• Study characteristics
• Risk of bias in studies
• Results of individual studies
• Results of syntheses
• Reporting biases
• Certainty of evidence
• Registration and protocol
• Competing interests
• Availability of data, code, and other materials

PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram

The PRISMA flow diagram shows how information flows through the different phases of a systematic review. It highlights the number of records identified, included, and excluded, plus the reasons for exclusions. The 2009 PRISMA flow diagram did well in serving its purpose, but it lacked the ability to capture the results of living systematic reviews (ie, systematic reviews that actively and continuously search, assess, and incorporate new studies as they appear). The 2020 PRISMA flow charts , however, have been updated to consider reviews of this nature. Now, you can choose a template that either only includes databases and clinical trials or preprint registers, or one with extra sections for elaborating on gray literature – both of which have versions for new systematic reviews in traditional format or living systematic reviews.

Learn More About DistillerSR

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Summary of the Checklist

The PRISMA statement is an important guideline that every researcher must know before undertaking a systematic review. The updated version also requires researchers, especially those who started conducting living systematic reviews before 2020, to refresh their knowledge of its rules. If you need help in applying the new 2020 PRISMA templates to your study, you can use systematic review software like DistillerSR to help automate some of the processes for you. 

3 Reasons to Connect

What’s Included: Literature Review Template

This template is structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The literature review template includes the following sections:

• Before you start – essential groundwork to ensure you’re ready
• The introduction section
• The core/body section
• The conclusion /summary
• Extra free resources

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover. We’ve also included practical examples and links to more free videos and guides to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

PS – if you’d like a high-level template for the entire thesis, you can we’ve got that too .

FAQs: Literature Review Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The literature review chapter template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of literature reviews can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard format for academic literature reviews, which means it will be suitable for the vast majority of academic research projects (especially those within the sciences), whether they are qualitative or quantitative in terms of design.

Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the literature review chapter will vary between universities and degree programs. These are typically minor, but it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalize your structure.

Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a literature review at any level of study. Doctoral-level projects typically require the literature review to be more extensive/comprehensive, but the structure will typically remain the same.

Can I modify the template to suit my topic/area?

Absolutely. While the template provides a general structure, you should adapt it to fit the specific requirements and focus of your literature review.

What structural style does this literature review template use?

The template assumes a thematic structure (as opposed to a chronological or methodological structure), as this is the most common approach. However, this is only one dimension of the template, so it will still be useful if you are adopting a different structure.

Does this template include the Excel literature catalog?

No, that is a separate template, which you can download for free here . This template is for the write-up of the actual literature review chapter, whereas the catalog is for use during the literature sourcing and sorting phase.

How long should the literature review chapter be?

This depends on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, literature reviews for Masters-level projects are usually 2,000 – 3,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects can reach multiples of this.

Can I include literature that contradicts my hypothesis?

Yes, it’s important to acknowledge and discuss literature that presents different viewpoints or contradicts your hypothesis. So, don’t shy away from existing research that takes an opposing view to yours.

How do I avoid plagiarism in my literature review?

Always cite your sources correctly and paraphrase ideas in your own words while maintaining the original meaning. You can always check our plagiarism score before submitting your work to help ease your mind. 

Do you have an example of a populated template?

We provide a walkthrough of the template and review an example of a high-quality literature research chapter here .

Can I share this literature review template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Do you have templates for the other dissertation/thesis chapters?

Yes, we do. You can find our full collection of templates here .

Can Grad Coach help me with my literature review?

Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services , where we can help you work through the literature review chapter (and any other chapters).

Flowcharts in evidence syntheses allow the reader to rapidly understand the core procedures used in a review and examine the attrition of irrelevant records throughout the review process. The PRISMA flow diagram published in 2009 describes the sources, numbers and fates of all identified and screened records in a review. PRISMA is currently in the final stages of a 2020 update, including a new version of the PRISMA flow diagram:

Systematic review flow diagrams undoubtedly facilitate rapid comprehension of basic review methodology. However, they have far greater potential as a tool for communication and transparency when used not only as static graphics, but also as interactive ‘site maps’ for reviews. Flow diagrams in their crudest sense consist of inputs, processes and outputs, with the ‘nodes’ (i.e. boxes) in a systematic review flow diagram containing summaries of the numbers of records included or excluded at each stage, and ‘edges’ (i.e. arrows) indicating the flow of records from sources to the final set of included studies. For each node, there is a rich set of information relating both to the methods used and the respective associated records: for example, the number of records excluded at full text eligibility screening with exclusion reasons.

This package makes use of the DiagrammeR R package to develop a customisable flow diagram that conforms to PRISMA 2020 standards. It allows the user to specify whether previous and other study arms should be included, and allows interactivity to be embedded through the use of mouseover tooltips and hyperlinks on box clicks.

The R package has the following capabilities:

1) to allow the user to produce systematic review flow charts that conform to the latest update of the PRISMA statement ( Page et al. 2020 );

2) to adapt this code and publish a free-to-use, web-based tool (a Shiny App) for producing publication-quality flow chart figures without any necessary prior coding experience;

3) to allow users to produce interactive versions of the flow charts that include hyperlinks to specific web pages, files or document sections.

Read more about the package and its functionality in this paper in Campbell Systematic Reviews: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cl2.1230

Contributors

• Macquarie University Library
• Subject and Research Guides

Systematic Reviews

• Step 6: PRISMA Flow Diagram & Screen
• Step 1: Check Protocols & Guides
• Step 2: Form a Question
• Step 3: Develop a Search Strategy & Criteria
• Grey Literature
• Documenting the Search
• Step 5: Export Results with EndNote, Mendeley
• Review Software and Tools
• Step 7: Extract Data
• Step 8: Appraise Studies & Assess Risk of Bias
• Step 9: Synthesise & Interpret, Meta-analyses
• Step 10: Templates, Write & Publish
• Non-Health Systematic Reviews

PRISMA Flow Diagram & Diagram Generator Tool

Your systematic review can be documented using the PRISMA Flow Diagram: 

The PRISMA flow diagram visually summarises the screening process. It initially records the number of articles found and then makes the selection process transparent by reporting on decisions made at various stages of the systematic review. Numbers of articles are recorded at the different stages. When you're excluding articles at the full-text stage, it is important to include the reasons for exclusion.

See the Prisma2020  site for more information including all available downloads for Statement and Flow Diagram.

• PRISMA Flow Diagram
• PRISMA Flow Diagram Generator

Screening Results

Screening your results.

Once you have completed your searches and used a reference manager (such as EndNote or Mendeley) to export your results, you can then begin screening your results. Screening can be done using EndNote or you can use a screening tool eg Covidence (your references can be exported from EndNote to Covidence).  

You can commence the selection of relevant studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This process is usually done by 2-3  independent reviewers so as to control selection bias and minimise the risk of excluding any relevant studies. When there is disagreement between reviewers then discussion can occur to decide outcomes. 

Example of a screening workflow 

Remove duplicate records from your results

Examine titles and abstracts to exclude articles that don't meet the inclusion criteria

Find the full text of relevant articles

Keep together any reports referring to the same study

Screen full-text articles against criteria for inclusion

Make any final decisions on study inclusion

Further Reading

• Article: The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews
• Article: Best practice guidelines for abstract screening large‐evidence systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
• Article: Considerations for conducting systematic reviews: evaluating the performance of different methods for de-duplicating references
• Article: Managing and coding references for systematic reviews and scoping reviews in EndNote
• Article: Can abstract screening workload be reduced using text mining? User experiences of the tool Rayyan
• Article: Faster title and abstract screening? Evaluating Abstrackr, a semi-automated online screening program for systematic reviewers
• Article: Software tools for literature screening in systematic reviews in biomedical research
• Article: Covidence and Rayyan (Review)
• Article: Usability and acceptability of four systematic review automation software packages: a mixed method design
• Article: Software tools to support title and abstract screening for systematic reviews in healthcare: an evaluation
• << Previous: Review Software and Tools
• Next: Step 7: Extract Data >>
• Last Updated: Dec 5, 2023 2:23 PM
• URL: https://libguides.mq.edu.au/systematic_reviews

Systematic Reviews: Results and PRISMA Flow Diagram

• What Type of Review is Right for You?
• What is in a Systematic Review
• Finding and Appraising Systematic Reviews
• Formulating Your Research Question
• Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
• Creating a Protocol
• Results and PRISMA Flow Diagram
• Searching the Published Literature
• Searching the Gray Literature
• Methodology and Documentation
• Managing the Process
• Scoping Reviews

Results Section

• Includes the number of results retrieved from each source
• Duplicates are removed 
• PRISMA Flowchart

PRISMA 2020

• PRISMA 2020 Checklist Checklist for all the things that should be included in your Systematic Review.
• PRISMA Flow Diagram 2020

PRISMA 2020 Flow Diagram

• << Previous: Creating a Protocol
• Next: Searching the Published Literature >>
• Last Updated: May 13, 2024 12:23 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.lsu.edu/Systematic_Reviews

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Literature Review Map Template

Editable literature review map template to visualize the connections and associations between things. Organize your ideas

You can easily edit this template using Creately's mind mapping software . You can export it in multiple formats like JPEG, PNG and SVG and easily add it to Word documents, Powerpoint (PPT) presentations, Excel or any other documents. You can export it as a PDF for high-quality printouts.

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