Table 2 Key differences between ROSES and PRISMA in relation to the problems identified with PRISMA (see Table 1)

Difference 1:

Tailored to environmental systematic reviews AND systematic maps (solution to Problem 1, 6, 7, 8)

Difference 2:

Higher standards of reporting (more details requested) in checklist, summary and flow diagram (solution to Problems 2, 5 and 10)

Difference 3:

Higher standards of conduct and clearer when standards not fully met (solution to Problem 3)

Difference 4:

Reduces emphasis on quantitative synthesis (e.g. meta-analysis etc.) that is only reliable when used for appropriate data in a sensible way (solution to Problem 4)

Difference 5:

Accommodate other types of synthesis (narrative and qualitative synthesis) (solution to Problem 4 and 9)

Difference 6:

Consistent and appropriate terminology (e.g. confusion of ‘qualitative synthesis’ and ‘narrative synthesis’ in PRISMA flow chart) (solution to Problem 8 and 9)

Difference 7:

Corrects problems with PRISMA focusing on bias rather than internal and external validity) (solution to Problem 6)

Difference 8:

Provides baseline methodological guidance and suggestions as well as acting as a reporting standard (solution to Problem 11)

Difference 9:

Inclusion of meta-data (solution to Problem 12)