The structured abstract must accurately reflect and summarize the main features of the systematic review for the reader, in particular the results of the review. The abstract must be 500 words or less and should not contain abbreviations (unless they are universally understood, e.g. IVF) or references. The following sub-headings should be used to structure the abstract: Objective, Introduction, Inclusion Criteria, Methods, Results, and Conclusions. Further details regarding the extent of information to include under these headings is provided below.
Objective
State the overarching review objective in full, as described in the protocol section.
Introduction
Describe very briefly the issue under review and what this review will add to the evidence base
Inclusion criteria
Summarize the inclusion criteria in one or two sentences, including details of Population (and setting), Instruments, Construct, and Outcomes (measurement properties of interest).
Methods
List the key sources searched, relevant limits placed on the scope of the search, and the month and year of the search. Briefly describe the approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction and data synthesis.
Results
This should be the principal focus of the Abstract. Provide important details of the results, including the number of studies located and included, the overall methodological quality and, most importantly, the key findings.
Conclusions
Articulate brief overall conclusions based on the systematic review findings, including a clear answer to the question(s) of the review.