What is a PRISMA Flow Chart? Definition and Purpose in Systematic Reviews

Learn what a PRISMA flow chart is and how it helps document study selection in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

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A PRISMA flow chart is a systematic representation used primarily in the medical and health sciences fields, to document the process of selection and inclusion of studies in a systematic review or meta-analysis. It stands for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The chart details the number of studies identified, included, and excluded at each phase of the review process, providing a transparent and replicable method for researchers to report how they sourced and decided upon the studies that were included in their analysis.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does PRISMA stand for in research? PRISMA stands for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, which provides guidelines for reporting systematic reviews.
  2. Why is a PRISMA flow chart important in systematic reviews? A PRISMA flow chart visually documents the selection, inclusion, and exclusion of studies in systematic reviews, ensuring transparency and reproducibility.
  3. How is a PRISMA flow chart structured? It is structured in phases showing the number of studies identified, screened, excluded, and included throughout the review process.

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  1. What is the PRISMA Flowchart in Systematic Reviews and How Does It Work? Learn what the PRISMA flowchart is and how it visualizes the study selection process in systematic reviews for transparency and reproducibility.