Publishing a systematic review paper and PRISMA guideline

Publishing a systematic review involves several strategic steps to ensure your work reaches the right audience and receives the recognition it deserves.

Here are some tips to navigate the publication process:

1. Look at similar articles

Start by reviewing the articles you’ve cited in your systematic review. Where were they published? Identifying the journals where similar research is featured can provide insights into suitable outlets for your work.

Additionally, consider updating your literature search in key subject databases to check for recently published, relevant studies that may have emerged after completing your paper.

2. Find other relevant journals

Broaden your perspective by exploring journals beyond your immediate subject area. Utilise resources such as the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) to discover journals that align with your research topic. These directories are invaluable for identifying potential publishers that might not be on your radar.

3. Consider journal reputation

While a journal’s Impact Factor is a common measure of its reputation, it may not always be the most relevant indicator, particularly for emerging disciplines. Explore tools such as Journal Citation Reports to assess journal rankings and ensure your selected journal has a credible reputation within your field.

4. Review submission guidelines

Once you have shortlisted potential journals, visit their websites and thoroughly review their submission guidelines. These guidelines outline the types of articles accepted, formatting requirements, and other critical details. If your manuscript doesn’t align with a journal’s specifications, refine your list and continue your search.

5. Avoid predatory publishers

Be cautious of predatory publishers that exploit the pay-to-publish model without offering quality peer review or editorial services. Conduct due diligence to ensure your chosen journal adheres to ethical publishing practices.

6. Consider open access options

If your goal is to maximise your article’s visibility and readership, consider publishing in open-access journals. Open access allows your work to be freely available online, increasing the likelihood of being read and cited. However, be prepared for potential publication fees associated with this model.

7. Have a backup plan

Identify second and third-choice journals as part of your strategy. If your manuscript is rejected by your first-choice journal, having backup options in place will save time and ensure continued progress in the publication process.

8. Be persistent

Rejection is a common part of the publication journey and is not necessarily a reflection of the quality of your work. Often, rejections are due to a mismatch between the manuscript and the journal’s scope. Stay persistent, refine your submission, and consider alternative journals if needed.

By following these steps and remaining resilient, you can successfully publish your systematic review and contribute valuable insights to your field.

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)

The PRISMA guideline is an essential framework for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Following PRISMA promotes transparency, reproducibility, and thoroughness in research reporting, and it is a publication requirement for many journals.

PRISMA comprises a checklist and a flow diagram:

• PRISMA Checklist: Contains 27 items organized into four sections:

o Title and Abstract: Ensure the review title includes key terms like “systematic review” or “meta-analysis.”

o Introduction: State the rationale and objectives clearly.

o Methods: Describe the protocol, search strategy, eligibility criteria, and synthesis methods.

o Results: Provide details on study selection, characteristics, and synthesis outcomes.

o Discussion: Address limitations, interpretation, and implications.

• PRISMA Flow Diagram: Visualizes the study selection process, showing the number of studies identified, screened, excluded, and included at each stage.

Several extensions of PRISMA have been created to address reporting needs beyond the main 2020 Statement. These extensions offer specific guidance for reviews focused on unique research questions (e.g., diagnostic test accuracy) or those utilising particular types of data (e.g., individual participant data). Explore the relevant extensions below to learn more.

Some of the examples include:

• PRISMA-ScR: For scoping reviews.

• PRISMA-P: For protocols.

• PRISMA-IPD: For individual participant data meta-analyses.

• PRISMA-DTA: For Diagnostic Test Accuracy

For more information, refer to the PRISMA website