Systematic review tools

Systematic and scoping reviews follow a documented process: a registered protocol, a search across several databases, screening by two or more reviewers, data extraction and an assessment of bias. Software in this category manages that process so decisions are recorded and the team can work in parallel.

Covidence runs the full workflow from import and deduplication through screening, full-text review, risk of bias and extraction, and many universities hold licenses. Rayyan focuses on screening, with blind mode for independent decisions and ranking that suggests likely includes. DistillerSR offers configurable workflows used by research groups, regulators and companies. ASReview, from Utrecht University, is free and open source software that uses active learning to order records so relevant ones come up first.

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4 AI research tools in systematic review tools

Rayyan

Screening tool for systematic reviews with blind collaboration and ranking that suggests likely includes; a free plan covers small projects.

  • Free plan or free tier
  • Mobile app

ASReview

by Utrecht University

Free, open source active learning software from Utrecht University that orders records so likely relevant studies come up first.

  • Free plan or free tier
  • Open source

Covidence

Web platform for systematic reviews: import, deduplicate, screen titles and abstracts, review full texts and extract data as a team.

DistillerSR

Enterprise systematic review and literature review software used by research groups, regulators and companies, with configurable workflows.

Machine-assisted screening can save a lot of time on large searches, but it changes your method. Decide in your protocol how you will use it and when you will stop screening, then report it in your methods so readers can judge the process. Reporting guidelines such as PRISMA ask for this detail.

Before choosing software, talk to a librarian with experience in systematic searching. They can help you build the search strategy, choose databases and decide how records will flow into the screening tool. Check also whether your team members already have access through their own institutions, since collaborators at different universities may each hold different licenses. Most of these tools import RIS and other standard export formats from the main databases, so moving records in is rarely the hard part. Deduplication across databases, though, is worth checking by hand.

Questions about systematic review tools

Is it acceptable to use AI ranking when screening?

Many reviews use it, but it must be planned and reported. State in your protocol how the ranking will be used and when screening stops, and describe it in your methods.

Does my university have a Covidence license?

Many universities and health organizations do. Ask your library, which may also offer support from a librarian experienced in systematic searching.

Can I run a systematic review for free?

Yes. Rayyan has a free plan for small projects and ASReview is free and open source. You still need access to the databases your search requires, usually through your library.

Do these tools produce a PRISMA diagram?

Several track the counts you need at each stage, and some generate the diagram. Check the numbers against your own records before you publish.

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