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

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.
Cochrane Handbook
Section dedicated to protocols

Hardin Library Protocol Worksheet
PDF form based on PRISMA-P

Registering a Protocol

Prospero
Freely 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.
Cochrane Library
To publish in the Cochrane Library, the researcher must work with the relevant review group and complete a protocol per specifications
Open Science Framework

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.