Background: Systematic reviews are an important tool for synthesizing and summarizing evidence in healthcare research. There are numerous software tools available for conducting systematic reviews, but it is unclear which tools are most commonly used or most effective among healthcare professionals.
Objectives: This study aimed to compare several systematic review process software tools used by healthcare professionals through a questionnaire-based survey. The objectives were to identify which tools were most commonly used, which were considered most effective, and what factors influenced tool selection.
Methods: A questionnaire was developed and distributed to healthcare professionals who had experience conducting systematic reviews. The questionnaire included questions on demographics, experience with systematic reviews, and experiences using various software tools. Participants were asked to rate the ease of use, effectiveness, and overall satisfaction with each tool they had used.
Results: A total of 150 healthcare professionals completed the questionnaire. The most commonly used software tools were DistillerSR, Covidence, and Rayyan. Participants rated DistillerSR as the most effective tool, followed by Covidence and Rayyan. Factors influencing tool selection included cost, ease of use, and availability of training and support.
Conclusions: This study suggests that healthcare professionals prefer software tools that are effective, easy to use, and affordable. Although DistillerSR was rated the most effective tool, Covidence and Rayyan were also highly rated and commonly used. Healthcare professionals should consider these factors when selecting a software tool for conducting systematic reviews.
Patient, public and/or healthcare consumer involvement: Patients, the public, or healthcare consumers were not directly involved in the development or implementation of this study. However, the study’s results may ultimately benefit patients and healthcare consumers by helping healthcare professionals identify and use more effective tools for conducting systematic reviews, which could lead to better-informed healthcare decisions.