Evidence synthesis is an umbrella term that encompasses multiple review methodologies, including systematic and scoping reviews. These types of reviews aim to compile and synthesize all available information on a particular research question. They differ from narrative literature reviews by following a structured methodology with steps in place to reduce subjectivity and bias. 

Before beginning an evidence synthesis project:

• Clarify your review topic
• Decide if evidence synthesis the best approach to answer the question (what are other types of review?)
• Determine if you have the necessary time and resources (PredicTER)
• Form a review team (this is not a solo activity!)

Are you planning to conduct a systematic review, scoping review, or other evidence synthesis project? Librarians at the HSHSL are experts in conducting comprehensive literature searches as part of the evidence synthesis process.

After the initial consultation, in which the project's aims and scope are discussed, the librarian typically:

• Determines if an existing review has already answered your research question
• Decides which sources to search (e.g. databases, grey literature)
• Collaborates with researchers to develop appropriate search strategies to ensure that all relevant studies are identified
• Conducts the literature search and removes duplicate records
• Delivers search results
• Writes the search methodology for your manuscript
• Re-runs the literature search before submitting the manuscript, as needed

Librarians keep detailed records throughout the process to ensure transparency.

For questions about the Evidence Synthesis Service, please contact systematicreviews@hshsl.umaryland.edu.