How to Cite a Systematic Review in AMA Format

Understanding Systematic Review Citations in AMA

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses represent the highest level of evidence in medical research, synthesizing findings from multiple studies. AMA format provides specific citation guidelines for these important publications. Proper citations help readers access the complete evidence synthesis.

Basic Systematic Review Citation Format

The standard AMA format for systematic reviews is: Authors. Title. Journal Title. Year;Volume(Issue):Pages. doi:DOI.

Include all relevant authors, the review title in italics, the journal name in italics, publication year, volume, issue, page range, and DOI.

Systematic Review with DOI

A complete systematic review citation:

Smith J, Johnson M, Williams R, et al. A systematic review of treatment approaches for chronic pain management. Pain Management Reviews. 2024;15(2):234-246. doi:10.1234/pmr.2024.001

Cochrane Systematic Review

For reviews published in the Cochrane Library:

Anderson SK, Thompson PL, Brown JR. Interventions for preventing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023;(4):CD012345. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012345.pub3

Include the Cochrane article number (CD followed by numbers) and version number.

Systematic Review Without DOI

If the systematic review lacks a DOI:

Rodriguez MA, Chen LT, Wong KS, et al. Systematic review of dietary interventions for hypertension reduction. International Journal of Nutrition. 2023;52(6):789-801. Accessed March 15, 2024. https://example.com/article

Include the access date and URL when DOI is unavailable.

In-Text Citations for Systematic Reviews

For in-text citations in AMA format, use a numbered system:

Recent evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of this intervention (1).

The number corresponds to the systematic review citation in the reference list.

Systematic Review with Lead Author and et al.

For reviews with many authors:

Garcia E, Patel R, Kowalski T, et al. A meta-analysis of surgical outcomes for minimally invasive procedures. Surgical Innovation Quarterly. 2024;18(1):45-67. doi:10.5678/siq.2024.018

When more than 6 authors, list the first 6 followed by “et al.”

Examples for Different Review Types

Pharmacology Systematic Review

Lee S, Martinez J, Davis K, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of antidiabetic agents: efficacy and safety. Endocrinology Today. 2024;30(3):234-250. doi:10.9876/et.2024.030

Behavioral Intervention Review

Thompson B, Brown A, Green C. Meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioral interventions for anxiety disorders. Journal of Psychological Research. 2023;48(5):456-472. doi:10.2345/jpr.2023.048

Surgical Technique Review

Wu X, Kim J, Nakamura S, et al. Systematic review of robotic-assisted surgery outcomes. Surgical Technology Review. 2024;12(2):123-145. doi:10.6789/str.2024.012

Diagnostic Test Review

Patel M, Jones T, Kumar V, et al. Meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy for biomarker testing. Clinical Diagnostics Journal. 2023;51(4):345-365. doi:10.3456/cdj.2023.051

Citing Specific Findings from Systematic Reviews

When referencing particular findings:

According to a systematic review of hypertension interventions (1), pharmacological treatment combined with lifestyle modification showed superior outcomes compared to either intervention alone.

Reference the systematic review and cite the specific conclusion you’re using.

Distinguishing Systematic Review from Literature Review

Systematic reviews follow strict methodological protocols and are registered (often with PROSPERO). Literature reviews are more narrative and less systematic. Ensure you cite the correct type of review.

Using GenText for Systematic Review Citations

GenText streamlines systematic review citation in AMA format by organizing author information, journal details, and publication information. The tool ensures accurate DOI inclusion and proper author list formatting.

Finding Systematic Reviews

Locating authoritative systematic reviews:

• Cochrane Library (cochranelibrary.com)
• MEDLINE/PubMed databases
• Google Scholar (scholar.google.com)
• PROSPERO registry (crd.york.ac.uk/prospero)
• Journal websites for review articles
• Campbell Collaboration (campbellcollaboration.org)

Common Citation Elements

Essential elements for systematic review citations:

• All authors (up to first 6, then “et al.”)
• Complete review title
• Journal name
• Publication year
• Volume and issue numbers
• Page range
• DOI (if available)
• Access date and URL (if no DOI)

Common Citation Mistakes

• Incomplete author list: List all authors for reviews; use “et al.” only when more than 6 authors.
• Missing DOI: Always include DOI when available for electronic articles.
• Incorrect journal abbreviation: Use the full journal name or standard abbreviation.
• Missing issue number: Include issue information for most journals.

Meta-Analysis vs. Systematic Review

Meta-analyses are statistical analyses of multiple studies, often included within systematic reviews. Cite them using the same AMA format. Ensure you note whether it is a systematic review, meta-analysis, or systematic review with meta-analysis.

By following AMA guidelines for systematic review citations, you direct readers to the highest level of evidence synthesis and maintain accuracy in evidence-based research.