What is evidence synthesis?
Evidence syntheses are rigorous literature reviews which apply transparent and reproducible methods to form an important component of evidence-based practice (EBP). They provide a synthesis of the best available research to answer questions. These literature reviews are used in policy and guideline development and decision-making in a wide array of fields. They can also be used to identify new areas for research focus.
Evidence syntheses differ from traditional literature reviews (also known as narrative reviews) which are used to provide a broad overview of a topic or to increase knowledge of a particular area.
Types of evidence synthesis literature reviews
There are many types of evidence syntheses literature reviews, including systematic reviews, scoping reviews and rapid reviews. Approaches to evidence syntheses literature reviews may vary depending on discipline area.
Review protocols
Many reviews must include a registered or published protocol which provides a roadmap for the review. This helps with minimising bias.
Review guidelines
Methodological guidelines provide a roadmap for conducting evidence synthesis literature reviews. Some disciplines have established methodological guidelines for conducting evidence syntheses. Others disciplines have adapted guidelines from other fields or developed their own based on best practices.
Examples of methodological guidelines and handbooks include:
- Campbell systematic reviews: Polices and guidelines - Crime and justice, education, social welfare
- Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions - Health
- Doing a Systematic Literature Review in Legal Scholarship - Law
- Guidelines for performing systematic literature reviews in software engineering - Software engineering
- Guidelines for systematic review in conservation and environmental management
- JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis: Scoping Reviews - Nursing and allied health
Tip
To locate guidelines for reviews in your discipline area or for emerging review types, use databases or Google Scholar to identify example reviews. These reviews should specify which guidelines were followed.