Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Journal of Evaluatio...arrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: Wiley Online Library User Agreement
Data sources: Crossref
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

Overlapping Systematic Reviews on the Same Topic: A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Research

Authors: Shunlong Ou; Jing Luo; Qian Jiang;

Overlapping Systematic Reviews on the Same Topic: A Systematic Literature Review of Quantitative Research

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective The number of published systematic reviews has exploded in the past three decades, followed by a large number of overlapping systematic reviews on the same topic. We aim to review the frequency and causes of overlap in systematic reviews. Methods Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched PubMed and Embase from inception to March 4, 2024, to identify English‐language studies quantitatively assessing overlapping systematic reviews on the same topic. Nonempirical studies and duplicates were excluded. Two researchers independently screened and extracted data, with results analyzed descriptively. Results Eleven quantitative studies were included in this study. Findings revealed that 68% of systematic reviews exhibited overlap, with a maximum of 76 overlapping reviews identified on a single topic. Only 36% overlapping systematic reviews referenced previous studies and a mere of 9% reported protocol registrations. The most mentioned causes for overlap were the omission to reference previous systematic reviews (6; 55%), lack of protocol registration (3; 27%), performance‐driven incentives among researchers (3; 27%). Key recommendations to mitigate overlap included mandatory protocol registration (7; 64%), explaining the novelty and innovation of research (5; 45%), strengthening the review of overlap (3; 27%). Conclusion Overlapping systematic reviews undermine evidence reliability due to transparency gaps and methodological weaknesses. Mandatory protocol registration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and adherence to tools like AMSTAR 2 are critical to curb redundancy. Journals must enforce rigorous quality checks and support living reviews. Stakeholders urgently need to standardize definitions of overlap, establish update frameworks, and promote ethical research practices. Addressing these challenges will enhance the efficiency and trustworthiness of evidence synthesis in healthcare.

Related Organizations
Keywords

Research Design, Humans, Reproducibility of Results, Systematic Reviews as Topic

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    1
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
1
Average
Average
Average
Upload OA version
Are you the author of this publication? Upload your Open Access version to Zenodo!
It’s fast and easy, just two clicks!