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Evidence Synthesis & Systematic Review Research

This guide provides an introduction to evidence synthesis research methods.

Phases of evidence synthesis research

Like any research project, knowing the phases of the project and preparing for each process will support the timely and successful completion of the project. Evidence synthesis projects are complex; they involve some or all of the following steps:

  1. Develop appropriate research question/s & eligibility criteria
  2. Determine which evidence synthesis method will answer the question/s
  3. Exploratory search
  4. Create (and register) research protocol
  5. Comprehensive search
  6. Screen articles
  7. Extract data
  8. Appraise/assess evidence
  9. Synthesize findings
  10. Write and publish

Evidence Synthesis Tools

While there is no perfect tool that will meet the needs of every evidence synthesis team, it is worth considering what  generic and task-specific tools can offer your team. Some tools cost money, some tools require steeper learning curves, and some are just too basic or too detailed. The table below provides some options to consider.

 

Tool Name Cost Selected Features Notes
Citation Manager (e.g., Zotero or EndNote) + Spreadsheet (e.g., Excel or Sheets) Free*
  • readily available citation manger tool to gather article citations and capture/manage full text
  • readily available spreadsheet tool to track screening
Abstracker Free
  • easy to use
  • customizable administrative options
  • must de-duplicate before loading citations
  • only supports one level of screening (usually need 2 levels of screening)
  • no support for data extraction
ASReview Free
  • ai-aided abstract review (train the tool to suggest future include/exclude decisions)
  • several machine-learning models to choose from
  • you accept or reject suggested decisions
  • need to install Python
  • should clarify the screening method in the write up
  • only supports one level of screening (usually need 2 levels of screening)
Covidence Not Free
  • supports de-duplication
  • supports all screening and data extraction tasks
  • large user base
  • can trial with up to 500 records
DistillerSR Not Free
  • supports de-duplication
  • supports all screening and data extraction tasks
  • large user base
  • no free trial
Rayyan

Free

Not Free
  • supports de-duplication
  • does not support data extraction
  • must set up second project to accommodate full text screening
  • free plan with limits on active reviews and smaller feature set
  • only supports one level of screening (usually need 2 levels of screening)
SR-Accelerator Free
  • supports de-duplication
  • must upload separate file to accommodate full text screening
  • offers  voice-activated screening
  
Sysrev

Free

Not Free
  • machine learning with initial article set
  • must set up second project to accommodate full text screening
  • supports data extraction
  • free plan only with public projects and smaller feature set
  • no de-duplication
  • only supports one level of screening (usually need 2 levels of screening)

 

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