PRISMAohjeiden

PRISMAohjeiden, also known as the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, are a set of evidence-based standards designed to improve the transparency and quality of reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Developed initially in 2009 by an international group of experts, PRISMA aims to facilitate comprehensive and clear communication of research findings, enabling readers to assess the validity and applicability of a review.

The guidelines consist of a 27-item checklist and a flow diagram. The checklist addresses essential components such as the review’s objectives, methodology, eligibility criteria, search strategy, data extraction, and synthesis techniques. The flow diagram illustrates the process of study selection, including identification, screening, eligibility assessment, and inclusion stages.

PRISMA emphasizes the importance of rigorous methodological conduct and transparent reporting to reduce bias and enhance reproducibility. It is applicable across diverse fields, including health sciences, social sciences, and environmental sciences. Adoption of PRISMA supports standardization and comparability among reviews, contributing to evidence-based decision-making and policy development.

The PRISMA guidelines have been widely endorsed by journals, institutions, and researchers globally. Regular updates ensure that the recommendations reflect current best practices. As a cornerstone of scientific reporting, PRISMA promotes clarity, accountability, and the integrity of systematic reviews, making it an essential tool for researchers conducting comprehensive literature syntheses.