A flow diagram is normally used when producing a review in order to show transparency. By completing the PRISMA diagram you will show how you searched for relevant papers, and how you selected papers to be included and excluded from your review. This will help eliminate any bias from your selection process and it records the decision making process at each phase of the review process.
By working down the flow diagram, initially you must be comprehensive in your searching, searching widely and systematically for papers, but as you progress through the flow chart, the papers will reduce in number, but become more and more relevant to your topic area.
Citation management software, such as RefWorks, is a critical tool in the manipulation of data for your PRISMA.
Note: PRISMA 2020 is now available. The Equator Network recommends using the new PRISMA 2020 checklist and flow diagram rather than the PRISMA 2009 resources. Please refer to your supervisor regarding which PRISMA to use.
The tabs within this page will guide you through the step-by-step process involved in completing your PRISMA data:
Here you will find a video explainer on the use of PRISMA and managing your information.
Adapted from SMILE by using PRISMA by Marion Kelt and Larissa Kempenaar, Glasgow Caledonian University (Sept 2022).
Web archive:
From: Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, The PRISMA Group (2009). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses: The PRISMA Statement. PLoS Med 6(7): e1000097. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed1000097 For more information, visit prisma-statement.org