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. Assess evidence
9. Analyze/synthesize
10. Write and publish

There is currently no one tool that can complete an evidence synthesis project for you. Don't be fooled by online ads or videos claiming that these projects can be completed quickly by using the advertised tool or method; you must do the bulk of the work. There are, however, tools that can help with different parts of the process. Some tools are free while others require a fee to use. Tools related to different parts of the process will be noted in the relevant sections of this guide.