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PRISMA Diagrams

This guide is an introduction to and overview of PRISMA diagrams.

Introduction

PRISMA stands for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. It is an evidence-based guideline for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses in healthcare research. The PRISMA statement was first published in 2009 and has since been updated in 2015 and 2020 to provide clearer and more detailed guidance for authors of systematic reviews.

The purpose of PRISMA is to provide a transparent and comprehensive reporting standard for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which helps to ensure that the research is conducted and reported in a rigorous and reproducible manner. By following the PRISMA guidelines, authors can ensure that their systematic reviews are of high quality and that the information they provide is transparent and complete.

Why Use PRISMA in Systematic Reviews?

When conducting a systematic review, it is crucial to use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for several reasons. First, following PRISMA ensures that the review is transparent and systematic, making it easier for readers to evaluate the review's quality and reliability. Second, PRISMA assists in identifying potential biases in the review, thereby increasing the validity and reliability of the findings. Finally, PRISMA increases the visibility and impact of the review by making it more accessible to others who are searching for relevant information.