Systematic Searching Support at Hardin Library
Why Prepare a Protocol?
A protocol is a detailed plan to help guide the review project. If completed thoroughly, completion of a protocol will facilitate a more efficient and successful project. A protocol is recommended for any type of review, but is especially encouraged for systematic reviews, meta-analyses, scoping reviews, or umbrella reviews. Protocols are required for Cochrane projects.
Guidance on Protocol Completion
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PRISMA for Protocol (PRISMA-P)The PRISMA-P provides guidance for developing systematic review protocols. Detailed information provides an article explaining the purpose of PRISMA-P, a checklist, and an explanation and elaboration that provides more details and exemplars for items on the checklist.
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Cochrane HandbookSection dedicated to protocols
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Hardin Library Protocol WorksheetPDF form based on PRISMA-P
Registering a Protocol
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ProsperoFreely available register from the University of York/Center for Research Dissemination. Publishes protocols for systematic reviews, meta-analyses, rapid reviews, and umbrella reviews. Review must focus on health related outcome for consideration. Scoping reviews are excluded.
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Cochrane LibraryTo publish in the Cochrane Library, the researcher must work with the relevant review group and complete a protocol per specifications
Some journals are regularly publishing protocols for multiple review types. Because it is expected that more journals will adopt this practice, please use the below list only as a starting point.
In addition to the below list, consider a journal specific to the review subject, and send an inquiry to the journal if no information is available on the journal webpage.
- Last Updated: Jun 13, 2025 10:11 AM
- URL: https://guides.lib.uiowa.edu/reviewshealthsciences
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