Whether you plan to perform a meta-analysis or not, you will need to establish a regimented approach to extracting data. Researchers often use a form or table to capture the data they will then summarize or analyze. The amount and types of data you collect, as well as the number of collaborators who will be extracting it, will dictate which extraction tools are best for your project.

Common extracted data includes:

• Article citation
• Study characteristics including study type
• Participant characteristics
• Intervention and setting
• Outcome and results

Extraction from included studies should be performed by two reviewers, with a third acting as a tiebreaker to resolve conflicts and come to consensus. This reduces bias and ensures quality control of the data.

You will use a data extraction form to track your information. For an example, see the Cochrane Data Extraction Form  

Programs like Excel or Google Spreadsheets may be the best option for smaller or more straightforward projects, while systematic review software platforms can provide more robust support for larger or more complicated data.

It is recommended that you pilot your data extraction tool, especially if you will code your data, to determine if fields should be added or clarified, or if the review team needs guidance in collecting and coding data.

• SRDR+ (free) a Web-based tool for the extraction and management of data for systematic review or meta-analysis. It is also an open and searchable archive of systematic reviews and their data.
• Covidence (subscription) a software platform built specifically for managing each step of a systematic review project, including data extraction.
• RAYYAN (free and subscription options available) 
• Excel is the most basic tool for the management of the screening and data extraction stages of the systematic review process. Customized workbooks and spreadsheets can be designed for the review process.