Machine learning computational tools to assist the performance of systematic reviews: A mapping review.

Journal: BMC medical research methodology
Published Date:

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Within evidence-based practice (EBP), systematic reviews (SR) are considered the highest level of evidence in that they summarize the best available research and describe the progress in a determined field. Due its methodology, SR require significant time and resources to be performed; they also require repetitive steps that may introduce biases and human errors. Machine learning (ML) algorithms therefore present a promising alternative and a potential game changer to speed up and automate the SR process. This review aims to map the current availability of computational tools that use ML techniques to assist in the performance of SR, and to support authors in the selection of the right software for the performance of evidence synthesis.

Authors

  • Ramon Cierco Jimenez
    International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch, Lyon, France. ciercor@iarc.who.int.
  • Teresa Lee
    International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Services to Science and Research Branch, Lyon, France.
  • Nicolás Rosillo
    Servicio de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.
  • Reynalda Cordova
    International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Nutrition and Metabolism Branch, Lyon, France.
  • Ian A Cree
  • Angel Gonzalez
    Laboratori de Medicina Computacional, Unitat de Bioestadística, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
  • Blanca Iciar Indave Ruiz
    International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch, Lyon, France.