The goal of the evidence synthesis (ES) service is to support UArizona researchers outside of the health sciences through the completion of high-quality systematic review (SR) or scoping review publications. For support in health sciences areas visit Systematic Review & Evidence Synthesis Information Guide (UAHSL-Tucson).
Evidence synthesis reviews, unlike other types of reviews, entail reproducible and transparent methodology. For help differentiating between the various types of reviews, consult A Typology of Reviews.
The process of collecting and analyzing the evidence follows specific methodological standards and guidance to reduce bias and increase the reliability of the findings. Evidence synthesis reviews take 1 year to 2 years or more to complete.
Our values
To align with our core values of integrity, inclusiveness, collaboration and cooperation, transparency and accountability, and openness and fairness, we strive to provide quality service to all members of our community. We recognize that individual needs are as unique and varied as the individuals themselves, and all individuals will be treated fairly. Support for evidence synthesis projects is designed with these principles in mind.
Table of Service [2]:
| Role | Consultative librarian support | Researchers' responsibility |
| Topic Development | Determine if the indicated review type matches the topic |
Conduct the process and steps |
| Provide guidance on searching for published and forthcoming reviews | Search for published or forthcoming reviews that duplicate the proposed project and, if duplicates are found, adjust the topic or scope to avoid duplication | |
| Development of Eligibility Criteria |
Develop and/or refine review topic |
|
| Direct researchers toward resources on framework selection (e.g., PICO (population, intervention(s), comparator(s), outcome(s)) | Select framework and refine protocol based on selected framework | |
| Select of study types to include | ||
| Protocol Creation and Registration | Provide guidance on protocol registration | Register protocol |
| Searching | Provide general guidance on identification of databases for searches | Determine resources to search |
| Provide basic instruction in search techniques and methods | Develop search strategies according to database syntax | |
| Provide basic training in using citation management software for managing and sharing results | Select and configure citation management tool | |
| Develop, execute, and manage searches and results | ||
| Download search results to citation management software and remove duplicates | ||
| Provide guidance on documentation of search strategies | Compile and manage all documentation per PRISMA guidelines | |
| Study Selection and Extraction | Provide guidance on methods used for selecting studies and extracting data | Select studies and extract data, adhering to applicable standards and using appropriate tools |
| Writing and Publishing | Suggest journals to target for publication | Select target journal for publication |
| Draft literature search description in "Methods" section | ||
| Create PRISMA diagram | ||
| Draft literature search appendix | ||
| Develop manuscript |
[1] Nota bene: Time permitting, librarians can decide if they want to engage in collaborative projects as part of their scholarship in exchange for authorship credit as prescribed by ICJME. This is external to the current evidence synthesis service model and requires direct negotiation and agreement between the researcher and librarian.
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