Objective This study elucidates the ACTIVE framework, a structured descriptive tool for stakeholder involvement in systematic reviews, summarizing its core elements and applicable scenarios to provide methodological references for domestic researchers. Methods Through literature analysis, this study systematically examines the development process of the ACTIVE framework, its constituent elements, and practical case studies, while analyzing its actual application in systematic reviews. Results The ACTIVE framework tool consists of five core elements: participant identity, recruitment methods, engagement models, participation stages, and degree of involvement. This framework significantly enhances its operability as a guiding tool through systematic and structured descriptive approaches. Conclusion The ACTIVE framework is the first structured tool specifically designed to describe stakeholder engagement in systematic reviews. Its widespread application will facilitate more standardized and transparent implementation of stakeholder involvement by systematic review authors in practice.
