Overview of evidence synthesis types and modes

Area of Science:

• Health Research Methodology
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Information Synthesis

Background:

• Evidence syntheses are vital for compiling and analyzing multi-source information to guide healthcare decisions.
• Diverse health care questions necessitate a variety of evidence synthesis approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and delineate the most common types of evidence synthesis.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of evidence synthesis methodologies.

Main Methods:

• Discussion of aims, methodological features, and examples of different evidence synthesis types.
• Leveraging work from the Evidence Synthesis Taxonomy Initiative for classification.

Main Results:

• Identified key evidence synthesis types: systematic reviews, overviews of reviews, qualitative evidence syntheses, mixed-methods reviews, and 'big picture reviews' (scoping reviews, mapping reviews, evidence gap maps).
• Highlighted rapid and living reviews as adaptable modes applicable across various synthesis types.

Conclusions:

• A clear understanding of evidence synthesis types is essential for clinicians and researchers.
• Selecting the appropriate evidence synthesis method ensures effective addressing of health-related questions.