A step-by-step guide for conducting an umbrella review.

BACKGROUND: The rapid increase in published research poses challenges for healthcare professionals aiming to stay updated. While systematic reviews help synthesize findings, their abundance can overwhelm readers. Umbrella reviews address this by summarizing multiple systematic reviews, offering a comprehensive perspective on specific topics. METHODS: This article offers a practical, step-by-step guide for conducting an umbrella review, aimed at researchers and clinicians alike. RESULTS: Umbrella reviews effectively integrate data from systematic reviews, ensuring clearer evidence synthesis. Tools like Rayyan and Covidence streamline processes such as screening and data extraction. Strategies for managing overlapping studies and assessing methodological quality enhance the validity of findings. CONCLUSION: Umbrella reviews are invaluable for evidence-based decision-making, especially in healthcare. This guide equips researchers and clinicians with a structured approach to navigate and synthesize the growing body of systematic reviews, fostering reliable and actionable insights.