The review objectives should be the same as stated in the protocol (aside from tense adjustments). As discussed previously they should be followed by the specific questions.
Inclusion criteria
The inclusion criteria should be the same as described in the protocol (PIRD: population, index test, reference test, diagnosis of interest). They should be as clear and as unambiguous as possible.
Search strategy
This section should report on how the reviewers searched for relevant papers. The databases that were searched must be listed along with the search dates. This should be the same as described in the protocol. A detailed search strategy for all of the major databases and other sources searched should be appended to the review. The documentation of search strategies is a key element of the scientific validity of a systematic review as it enables readers to look at and evaluate the search strategy.
Assessment of methodological quality
This section should detail the methodology followed for critical appraisal in the systematic review, including the criteria used to determine the inclusion or exclusion of studies. The process described should be the same as that specified in the protocol, with reasons for deviation given. The critical appraisal tool should be appended to the review.
Data extraction
This section should detail the types of data extracted from the included studies, which should be the same as those specified in the protocol. The data extraction tool used to facilitate this process should be appended to the review.
Data synthesis
This section details the data synthesis approach, as opposed to the results of the synthesis itself. The protocol should have specified which methods of synthesis (narrative, graphical, tabular, meta-analysis) would be considered and under which circumstances. This section should detail the actual method used along with why it has been chosen (i.e. if narrative synthesis is chosen over meta-analysis due to the presence of heterogeneity, this should be explained along with the factors that are causing the studies to be heterogeneous). If a meta-analysis is performed, the statistical software should be specified.