Nursing & Health Innovations

Typical attributes of a Systematic Review:

• Contains a clearly stated set of objectives with pre-defined eligibility criteria for studies
• Lists the databases that authors searched and the search terms they used
• Authors assess the validity of the findings of the included studies, for example through the assessment of risk of bias
• Systematically presents and synthesizes the characteristics and findings of the included studies -- frequently includes an evidence table

In a literature review, the authors aim to review the critical points of current knowledge including substantive findings as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to a particular topic, but do not necessarily follow a systematic process. 

You might also see "integrative review," which is a review that includes and synthesizes both experimental and nonexperimental research, such as qualitative studies.

Here's an example of an article that has Systematic Review as both a Minor Subject and as a Publication Type in the CINAHL database. For many citations, Systematic Review may appear in either the Publication Type or the Minor Subject but not always both fields.

Alternatively, limit your search to the Publication type of Systematic Review (in CINAHL and MEDLINE).

Another way to find Systematic Review articles in CINAHL and MEDLINE is to add the following subject terms to your search:

"Systematic Review"

Change the drop-down menu to Subject Terms - SU