Data Extraction Best Practices
- At least two reviewers should independently extract data to reduce bias and errors.
- Use an existing data extraction form, template, or tool as your foundation and customize according to your research question.
- Train reviewers and pilot the form/tool to ensure consistency and accuracy. Revise as needed.
- Document changes, decisions, reasoning, and discrepancies.
- A practical guide: Data Extraction for Intervention Systematic Reviews Covidence has created a data extraction guide that offers definitions, practical advice, links to the Cochrane Handbook, downloadable templates, and real-world examples from studies. This guide is not connected to and does NOT provide information on using Covidence software. Feel free to use the pictures and drawings in your own content, but please provide credit by including the following statement: ‘Diagrams and illustrations courtesy of Covidence,’.
Data Extraction Templates
You can customize these templates for your own use. Other templates can be found via a Google search or in published systematic reviews.
- JBI Data Extraction FormThis link will take you to the homepage of the JBI Wiki. Click Manuals and select the the Evidence Synthesis manual. View the Data Extraction chapter and associated appendix for the type of review you are conducting.
Data Extraction Software
Some teams choose to use the same software or tool for screening, selection, and data extraction. Other teams choose to use one software or tool for screening and selection and another tool for data extraction.
Covidence is a popular resource that frequently gets used to deduplicate citations; conduct title/abstract and full text screening; create Risk of Bias tables; perform data extraction; create PRISMA flow charts; and export to RevMan, and/or citation management software.
USC Libraries Supported Software
Getting Started With Covidence
- Demo Review - Explore and get familiar with Covidence
- How to Import References
- How to Undo an Import
- How to Bulk Import PDFs
Freely Available Software
- WebPlotDigitizer - AI assisted software that helps extract data from images/charts
Paid Software
Covidence Help for Data Extraction
- Covidence Data Extraction 1.0Best for RCTs only.
- Covidence Data Extraction 2.0More flexible for multiple study types.
- Covidence VideosSee Covidence videos for detailed support using Data Extraction 1, 2, and more.
- A practical guide: Data Extraction for Intervention Systematic ReviewsCovidence has created a data extraction guide that offers definitions, practical advice, links to the Cochrane Handbook, downloadable templates, and real-world examples from studies. This guide is not connected to and does NOT provide information on using Covidence software. Feel free to use the pictures and drawings in your own content, but please provide credit by including the following statement: ‘Diagrams and illustrations courtesy of Covidence,’.
Other Tools for Creating Data Extraction Forms
- REDCapRedCap is provided to all USC affiliates. Follow this link to learn how to sign up. RedCap is compliant with HIPAA regulations, but not 21 CFR Part 11, which describes how records must be kept about access of patient data.