Experiences of novice student team members in evidence synthesis: Study protocol for a study within a review

Evidence synthesis plays a vital role in healthcare research, informing clinical practice and policy. Increasingly, students are involved in reviews, yet their experiences, including the barriers and facilitators for participation, remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the barriers and opportunities encountered by novice student team members in evidence synthesis.

This Study Within A Review (SWAR) will adopt a mixed-methods approach. Undergraduate and postgraduate students in health-related disciplines engaged in or having just completed their first evidence synthesis at the University of Limerick (Ireland) will be recruited through academic networks and word of mouth. Data will be collected primarily via focus groups, in addition to a short online survey. Thematic analysis will be employed to analyse qualitative data, while descriptive statistics will be used for survey responses. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected concurrently and narratively integrated at the point of analysis using a weaving approach.

This study aims to describe the experiences of students involved in evidence synthesis, identifying barriers and facilitators related to their participation. Findings will inform recommendations for improving evidence synthesis training, mentorship, and student engagement strategies.

Understanding student experiences in evidence synthesis may inform the development of targeted training and support mechanisms. The findings will provide valuable insights for academic institutions and research teams seeking to optimise student involvement in evidence synthesis.