PRISMA 2020 systematic review (single pipeline)
Canonical PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for a systematic review using the dedicated prisma engine — records identified across four databases, deduplicated, screened, assessed for eligibility, and included, with exclusion side-boxes and mandatory n = counts.
For the systematic-review author or research librarian
Scenario
A research librarian produces the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for a Cochrane review submission. The journal requires the diagram in the exact four-row structure — Identification → Screening → Eligibility → Included — with the count (n = …) shown in every box and the excluded boxes itemizing reasons. With the dedicated prisma engine the librarian writes only counts and reasons; the rigid layout, the "Records removed before screening" side-box, and the exclusion side-boxes are produced automatically and are correct by construction.
Annotation key
mode: 2020-single— one Identification column (databases & registers). Usemode: 2020-dualto add the "other methods" column.identification.databases—n:is the mandatory total;sources:renders the per-database breakdown;duplicates-removed:splits out into the right-column "Records removed before screening" box automatically.screening/eligibilityexcluded:blocks — each has its ownn:total and an optionalreasons:breakdown rendered in a side-box to the right, connected by a horizontal arrow.included.studies/reports— one study can yield several reports, so both counts render.
How to read
Top to bottom mirrors the PRISMA 2020 template exactly. The left capsule bands label the three canonical stages; the orange bar spans the Identification column group. Counts reconcile across stages (1418 − 318 = 1100 screened; 1100 − 870 = 230 assessed; 230 − 195 = 35 included) — the engine warns if they don't.
Standard reference
Page MJ, McKenzie JE, Bossuyt PM, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021;372:n71. Template: prisma-statement.org/prisma-2020-flow-diagram.