PRISMA and PRISMA-ScR Reporting Guidelines

Abstract

Introduction:

Dissemination is a research imperative. Evidence-based health care requires end users to be able to find, appraise, and determine the applicability of research findings. Systematic reviews represent the highest level of evidence, yet conducting reviews and preparing a publishable manuscript can be challenging. Brief overviews of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) are presented.

Discussion:

Following PRISMA and PRISMA ScR guidelines brings transparency to the research process, facilitating replication and trust, enabling clinicians and policy makers to assess the quality of the study and applicability to their situations. Failure to follow the guidelines may result in suboptimal scientific rigor, mistrust, wasted resources, and patient harm.

Recommendations:

Adhering to reporting guidelines cannot be overemphasized. This facilitates process clarity, enhance scientific rigor, ensure high-quality research, promote trust, and optimal outcomes for end users.