Are you planning to start a systematic review project, but feel overwhelmed when considering how you will manage the process? If the primary investigator of your project is affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh schools of the health sciences, and an HSLS librarian is included on your systematic review team, you’ll have access to a product called DistillerSR that can help. DistillerSR is a web-based systematic review software tool that guides you through the screening and data extraction process.
Once you have the results of your literature search, you can easily upload them into DistillerSR. Screening and data extraction forms are then designed and configured by the project lead. All members of your systematic review team will have access to the tool, so when your forms are ready you can assign references for screening to each reviewer. DistillerSR allows you to monitor the process, so you will be able to see how long each step is taking, manage any screening conflicts, and assess interrater reliability. After completing the review steps, you can export your results, including data tables and reports. DistillerSR will even automatically generate a PRISMA flowchart for inclusion in your publication.
If you are interested in learning more about DistillerSR, please see the HSLS DistillerSR User FAQ and contact your librarian to find out how to register. If you are not currently working with a librarian, submit a request to have one join your team by e-mailing Ask a Librarian.
~Rose Turner