Knowledge Synthesis (KS), is defined as “the contextualisation and integration of research findings of individual research studies within the larger body of knowledge on the topic”. A synthesis must be reproducible and transparent in its methods, using quantitative and/or qualitative methods. Canadian Institutes of Health Research, http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/41382.html
The term "knowledge synthesis" (KS) encompasses various review types, such as systematic reviews, meta-analysis, scoping reviews, and rapid reviews. Each review type is suitable for specific research questions and circumstances, adding complexity to the task of selecting the most appropriate one.
Please check the flow charts below to find out which of the review types may be suited to your research project.
Cornell University Review Methodology Decision Tree
St Michael's Unity Health Toronto, Knowledge Synthesis Decision Tool
A systematic review uses systematic and reproducible methods to identify, select and critically appraise all empirical evidence that fits pre-specified eligibility criteria in order to answer a specific research question.
The key characteristics of a systematic review are:
a clearly stated set of objectives with pre-defined eligibility criteria for studies;
an explicit, reproducible methodology;
a systematic search that attempts to identify all studies that would meet the eligibility criteria;
an assessment of the validity of the findings of the included studies, for example through the assessment of risk of bias; and
a systematic presentation, and synthesis, of the characteristics and findings of the included studies.
Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Version 6.4, 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration, 2024. Available from https://training.cochrane.org/handbook
| Systematic Review | Literature Review |
|---|---|
| Focused on a single question | Not necessarily focused on a single question - may describe an overview |
| A peer review protocol or plan is included | No protocol is included |
| Clear objectives identified | Objectives may or may not be identified |
| Inclusion/exclusion criteria stated before the review is conducted | Criteria not specified |
| A comprehensive search conducted and documented systematically | Search strategy not explicitly stated |
| Process of article selection clear and explicit | The process of article selection is not described |
| Formally assesses the quality of studies and generates a conclusion relating to the focused research question | Summary based on studies where the quality may not be specified and may also be influenced by the reviewer's theories, needs and beliefs |
Adapted from: University of Newcastle Library
The Evidence Synthesis Institute University of Minnesota resource List. The teaching slides from this institute are available here and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International License.
Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), offered through Coursera, describes and provides instruction for completing all stages of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Cochrane Interactive Learning provides tutorials for performing systematic reviews on health-related topics. Module 1: Introduction to Conducting Systematic Reviews is free if you sign up for a Cochrane account.
Cornel University Library. Available at https://guides.library.cornell.edu/evidence-synthesis/openaccess
Systematic reviews play an important role in health research. They provide a high level summary of studies and can inform policy and practice relevant to a particular area of inquiry. Understanding review methodologies is useful for those who wish to undertake a systematic review or just read one.
Conducting Systematic Reviews Video
Conducting Systematic Reviews: Child and Adolescent Health Service, Department of Research Department of Health, Government of Western Australia
Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Intervention
Cornel University Library: Evidence Synthesis
The Campbell Collaboration: Producing a Review
JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis
Finding what works in health care: standards for systematic reviews (Institute of Medicine, US)
PRISMA statement, flowchart and checklist
Systematic Reviews: CRD's guidance for undertaking reviews in health care
Curtin University: Systematic Reviews
Duke University: Steps in a Systematic Review
National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools: Anatomy of a Systematic Review
University of Edinburgh: Systematic Review and Meta-analyses
Searching clinical trials registers: guide for systematic reviewers - BMJ - 26 April 2022
Start documenting the search process from day one and continue to the end.
Create an account with the databases that you search and save your searches.
You will need to keep track of:
In addition, all searches conducted via hand searching must identify the source (name of journal, conference proceedings etc.) and the year.
Numerous software packages, such as Covidence, Ryyan, Research Screener, and JBI SUMARI, are available to offer guidance and facilitate the management of the systematic review process. Considering one of these options could help streamline your review procedures.
At SCGOPHCG Hospital library, access to JBI SUMARI is provided through our institutional subscription to the Joanna Briggs Institute EBP. To begin, please register as a New User and refer to the JBI SUMARI Tutorial videos for comprehensive guidance.