Want to start a systematic or scoping review but not sure how to begin? This 60-minute session will help you build a strong foundation by focusing on the most important first step: your protocol. Protocols are essential for ensuring transparency, consistency, and credibility in evidence synthesis projects—and they're increasingly required by journals and registries like PROSPERO. In this workshop, we’ll walk through the key components of a protocol, highlight freely available templates and tools (such as PRISMA-P), and discuss when, why, and how to register your protocol with platforms like PROSPERO and OSF. Whether you’re working independently or with a team, this session will help you move from idea to actionable plan with clarity and confidence.

By the end of this class, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the purpose and value of a protocol in evidence synthesis, including how it contributes to transparency and reduces bias.
2. Differentiate between protocols for systematic reviews and scoping reviews, including key structural similarities and differences.
3. Identify the key elements of a protocol, using tools such as the PRISMA-P checklist and JBI guidance.
4. Locate, evaluate, and understand the requirements of protocol registries, including PROSPERO, Open Science Framework (OSF), and relevant journals.
5. Draft or refine a preliminary protocol outline, including a clear research question, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and planned search strategy—ready for potential registration with PROSPERO or other platforms.

This class is ideal for anyone new to evidence synthesis, including researchers, students, and clinicians who are looking to strengthen their ability to conduct systematic reviews or other types of evidence synthesis. Whether you're beginning a review or refining your skills, this session will provide the necessary tools to help you get started with evidence-based research.

Format:
Lecture-style presentation with opportunities for discussion and Q&A.