Systematic literature reviews (SLRs) are essential for evidence-based research, providing a comprehensive and unbiased evidence synthesis, often considered the best evidence synthesis, of research findings on a specific topic. For researchers, especially those using resources like PubMed, conducting a systematic review is a critical part of a comprehensive systematic analysis. Yet, the traditional process of conducting SLRs can be lengthy and labor-intensive, often taking months or even years to complete. Researchers estimate that a systematic review can take up to 1046 hours or 26 weeks. The growing amount of scientific literature requires more efficient methods, prompting researchers to adopt automation technologies to streamline the systematic literature review (SLR) process. This article explores how automation can be applied at different stages of an SLR, using evidence review from sources cited in PubMed and drawing from resources like the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.
Using PubMed's API
Platforms like EviSynth provide access to the PubMed API to directly import search retrievals into the project database based on the predefined search strategy. It also has tools to assist in full-text retrieval of the articles on demand.
Tools and Software for Automating SLRs
Several tools and software are available to support SLRs' automation. Some of the most commonly used ones include:
| Tool/Software | Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| EviSynth | AI-augmented screening, risk-of-bias assessment, PubMed integration, full-text retrieval, mobile-friendly, project management, peer-review | Free |
| DistillerSR | AI-powered screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment; integrates with PubMed; supports various review types | Subscription-based; student and faculty discounts available |
| Rayyan | AI-powered screening and deduplication; mobile app for on-the-go reviewing; supports collaboration | Free and paid versions available |
| Abstrackr | Semi-automated screening using machine learning; open-source and free | Free |
| RobotReviewer | Automated data extraction and risk of bias assessment for RCTs; open-source and free | Free |
| Covidence | Supports various stages of the SLR process, including screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment; integrates with reference managers | Subscription-based; free trial available |
| RevMan | Cochrane's software for preparing and maintaining Cochrane reviews; supports meta-analysis, risk of bias assessment, and reporting | Free for Cochrane authors; subscription required for others |
| EPPI-Reviewer | Supports various types of systematic reviews; includes data extraction and analysis tools; offers text mining functionality | Subscription-based; free trial available |
| LiteRev | Uses natural language processing and machine learning methods to streamline and accelerate literature reviews | Not available |