Developing a systematic literature review on the use of social media as a health intervention in adolescent health: A case study

A systematic literature review provides the basis for identifying consistency in research processes, quality of research methodology, current knowledge, and gaps in knowledge. This information is important as it provides researchers with guidance on a particular area of knowledge, including what worked well, what did not work well, and the direction that future research may take. A systematic review is different to other forms of literature reviews, and this difference is reflected in the method. The following case study looks at the process undertaken when systematically reviewing the literature on “the use of social media as a health intervention in adolescent health.” In particular, the case study highlights the importance of clearly identifying the topic under review, the use of a tested or proven tool to assess the literature, and the dissemination of the findings, that is, writing up the review so that others may understand and if required replicate the study. The case study provides an opportunity to reflect on the processes of a systematic literature review with examples to demonstrate that process.