Studies within a review (SWARs) manuscripts

JBI Evidence Synthesis invites submissions for a special series focusing on Studies Within a Review (SWARs), an emerging extension of the systematic review process. 

What are SWARs? 

SWARs are research studies that are embedded within a review or evidence synthesis to evaluate different review methods and processes in order to improve methods. Depending on the research question, SWARs may have broad applicability or be restricted to a specific field of health research addressed in the original systematic review.  

SWARs help inform how future systematic reviews should be undertaken and also identify gaps and areas for future methodological research.  

Diverse topics and study designs  

JBI Evidence Synthesis seeks manuscripts exploring a range of SWARs topics for the special series, including:

• Evaluations of search strategies, screening processes, methodological quality assessments, data extraction techniques, and data synthesis methods.
• Investigations into tools supporting evidence syntheses and the role of automation.
• Analyses of reporting standards and adherence to these standards.
• Evaluations of the development, sharing, and utilisation of review findings.

Diverse study designs, encompassing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, are encouraged.

The SWARs series aligns with and supports the United Nations SDG 3 (Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being) and supports global efforts to enhance the rigour and efficiency of evidence synthesis. 

Methodology manuscripts 

In addition to submissions for the SWARs series, JBI Evidence Synthesis welcomes manuscripts for original research investigating and/or informing methodological conduct of evidence syntheses and reporting practices in the field.  

The journal publishes high quality methodology papers throughout the year and dedicates a special issue to methodology to coincide with Methodology Month in March. 

Support for authors 

The JBI Evidence Synthesis Editorial Office takes pride in the support it provides to authors and offers a streamlined submissions process for authors.  

The JBI Communications Office also supports authors by providing practical research dissemination resources for authors which include checklists and top tips. The Editorial Office and Communications Office work closely to profile publications online, helping authors disseminate their research to a wide audience for research impact. 

Comprehensive information for authors is provided on the journal’s website, including various templates to accommodate diverse types of systematic reviews, scoping reviews, SWARs and methodology manuscripts. Also provided are links to comprehensive, gold-standard methodological guidance (JBI methodologies for evidence syntheses and external methodologies such as COSMIN and PERSyst).