Choose systematic-review tools by workflow

Plan the evidence trail.

1. Define the review question, inclusion rules, databases and reproducible search strategy before choosing software.
2. Use reference-management software for citation storage and deduplication; keep a deduplication decision record. A reference manager is not an independent screening reviewer.
3. Evaluate screening tools against required reviewer independence, conflict resolution, exportability and access needs. Automation can prioritise but should not silently replace the review protocol.
4. Test extraction on a small set with predeclared fields and reconciliation rules. Keep study-level data, risk-of-bias decisions and synthesis inputs distinct.
5. Original comparison worksheet: Task | Required capability | Candidate tool | Licence/cost | Export format | Pilot result | Unresolved limitation. Keep a reversible export before adopting a tool.

RMA does not claim a built systematic-review screening product or sell an unverified review capability through this guide. It offers general methods planning within an agreed scope. PRISMA is reporting guidance; it is not a quality certification.

Consult the official PRISMA statement and your review protocol for current reporting requirements.