Evidence Synthesis

Transparent methods are used to guide how studies are identified, selected, appraised, and synthesized/reported. Note that the steps described here represent a general process. Specific guidelines can differ based on your field or discipline.

Pre-Planning Review

• assemble research team
• develop well-defined research question
• scope literature for existing SRs
• plan inclusion/exclusion criteria
• identify citations, databases & grey lit resources
• select software tool(s) to manage/screen sources
• partner w/librarian to develop search strategies

Conducting Review

• write protocol and pre-register/register protocol
• conduct, dedupe, document searches
• screen citations, locate and screen full text
• assess/critically appraise studies 
• extract study data
• synthesize/write up findings