A 4 part lecture series on the basics of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Part 4 discusses about the PRIMSA guidelines and how to write the manuscript.

1. Basics of Systematic Review and
Meta-analysis
Part 4: PRISMA and manuscript writing
Dr. S. A. Rizwan, M.D.,
Department of Community Medicine,
Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute,
Madurai.

2. PRISMA checklist
• A checklist with multiple items
• Makes sure that authors report all necessary
information needed for correct interpretation
of the study
• Prevents malpractice

3. Manuscript writing
• A team of two or three main writers
• Plan from the beginning a supplementary section or web
section
• Ideal supplementary items will be
– Search strategy, keywords used
– Removed studies and reasons for removal
– Critical appraisal checklist of studies
– Maps
– Forest plots of subgroups
– Assumptions
– Other analysis

4. Tables
• Compulsory
– Selection criteria
– Assumptions
– Selected study characteristics
– Primary analysis
– Secondary analysis
• Depending on study

5. Figures
• Compulsory
– Flowchart of study selection
– Forest plot for primary analysis
– Publication bias – funnel plot
• Others
– Maps
– Forest plot for sub groups

6. Qualities of good manuscript
• Set the premise in an intriguing and scientific
manner, generating interest in the reader
• Transfer the flow of your thought in a clear and non-
confusing manner
• Use simple words and stick to the reporting format
• Keep main points in paper and shift all ancillary
details to supplementary sections
• Get it reviewed by experts in the field

7. Journal selection
• Most journals will not reject a very well conducted
systematic review paper
• Increasing chances of publication in good journals
– Global relevance
– Clinical practice changing
– Exhaustive literature review
– High quality of methodology and analysis
• Be ready to answer reviewers

8. THANK YOU