Evidence Synthesis

The following outline provides an overview of evidence synthesis planning process. 

Review Preparation:

• determine purpose of review
• identify 2-4 sample studies
• scope the literature to identify existing reviews

Protocol Development:

• assemble research team
• plan research question, protocol, & methods
• identify review software to manage/screen

Search Development

• identify databases, citations, & grey literature 
• identify subject & keywords & search syntax
• complete PRIMA diagram to report searches 

Screening

• export search results
• assess & select studies
• locate full text & dedupe

Data Extraction

• extract study data
• critically appraise studies 
• classify study data

Reporting

• analyze/interpret results
• synthesize/report findings