[Registered Report - stage I] Comparing Artificial Intelligence and manual methods in systematic review processes: protocol for a systematic review

Objectives This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of automated methods using artificial intelligence (AI) in conducting systematic reviews, with a focus on both performance and resource utilisation compared to human reviewers. Study Design and Setting This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol follows the Cochrane Methodology protocol and review guidance. We will search five bibliographic databases to identify potential studies published in English peer-reviewed journals from 2005. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts, followed by a full-text review of the included articles. Any discrepancies will be resolved through discussion and, if necessary, referral to a third reviewer. The risk of bias in included studies will be assessed at the outcome level using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2) and the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) for non-randomised studies. Where appropriate, we plan to conduct meta-analysis using random-effects models to obtain pooled estimates. We will explore the sources of heterogeneity and conduct sensitivity analyses based on pre-specified characteristics. Where meta-analysis is not feasible, a narrative synthesis will be performed. Results We will present the results of this review, focusing on performance and resource utilisation metrics. Conclusion This systematic review will evaluate the effectiveness of automated methods, especially AI tools in systematic reviews, aiming to synthesise current evidence on their performance, resource utilisation, and impact on review quality. The findings will inform evidence-based recommendations for systematic review authors and developers on implementing automation tools to optimise review efficiency while maintaining methodological rigour. Additionally, we will identify key research gaps to guide future development of AI-assisted systematic review methods. Trial registration This protocol will be registered in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews).