}]]}]}]}] 30:T17b9,

### Importance of Systematic Literature Review (SLR) A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is a rigorous, transparent, and reproducible method for identifying, evaluating, and synthesizing existing research on a specific topic. Unlike narrative reviews, SLRs follow a predefined protocol that minimizes bias and enhances reliability. #### Key Importance in Identifying Research Gaps - **Comprehensive Coverage:** SLRs use explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria across multiple databases, ensuring that relevant studies are not overlooked. This helps identify under-researched areas. - **Reduction of Bias:** By following standardized procedures, SLRs reduce selection and publication bias, allowing genuine gaps rather than perceived gaps to emerge. - **Critical Appraisal of Evidence:** SLRs evaluate the methodological quality of existing studies, helping identify gaps related to: - Weak study designs - Small sample sizes - Inconsistent outcome measures - **Identification of Inconsistencies:** Conflicting findings across studies signal gaps in theory, methodology, or context that require further investigation. - **Foundation for Future Research:** SLRs guide researchers in framing research questions, hypotheses, and methodologies that address unmet needs in the literature. ### Comparison: Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, & Scoping Review | Aspect | Systematic Review | Meta-analysis | Scoping Review | | :------------------ | :------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------- | | **Purpose** | Synthesize evidence to answer a specific research question | Statistically combine quantitative results | Map the breadth and nature of research | | **Research Question** | Focused and well-defined | Very specific (quantitative outcomes) | Broad and exploratory | | **Data Type** | Qualitative and/or quantitative | Quantitative only | Qualitative, quantitative, mixed | | **Analysis Method** | Narrative synthesis and critical appraisal | Statistical techniques (effect size, confidence intervals) | Descriptive mapping | | **Outcome** | Evidence-based conclusions | Pooled effect estimates | Identification of gaps and future directions | | **When Used** | To evaluate effectiveness or relationships | When studies are sufficiently homogeneous | When a field is emerging or fragmented | | **Quality Assessment** | Mandatory | Mandatory | Optional | ### PRISMA & COREQ: Enhancing Research Quality #### PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) - **Purpose:** A reporting guideline to improve transparency and completeness in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. - **How PRISMA Enhances Quality:** - Ensures transparent study selection via the PRISMA flow diagram. - Promotes replicability by documenting search strategies. - Improves methodological clarity and reduces reporting bias. - Enhances credibility among reviewers, journals, and policymakers. - **Key Components:** - 27-item checklist - Flow diag