The background should describe and situate the elements of the review, regardless of whether a particular mnemonic is used or not. The background should provide sufficient detail on each of the important elements of the review question to justify the conduct of the review and the choice of the various elements of the review. The author should particularly highlight the absence of scientific evidence, and verify the reasons for conducting a review of text and opinion.
JBI places significant emphasis on an extensive, comprehensive, clear and meaningful background section to every systematic review. Given the international circulation of systematic reviews, variations in local understandings of clinical practice, health service management and client or patient experiences need to be clearly stated. It is often as important to justify why elements are not to be included.