Evidence Synthesis - What is it and why do we need it?

Evidence Synthesis - What is it and why do we need it?

We come across 'evidence syntheses' on an almost day-to-day basis, but do we know what it is and why it's so imporant?

Cochrane Ireland and Evidence Synthesis Ireland are working together to create awareness and increase knowledge and capacity in evidence synthesis methods.

Evidence synthesis, sometimes called “systematic reviews”, involves combining information from multiple studies investigating the same topic to comprehensively understand their findings. This helps determine how effective a particular treatment or drug is, or how people have experienced a particular health condition or treatment. By using evidence synthesis effectively, policymakers, healthcare institutions, clinicians, researchers, and the public can make more informed decisions about health and healthcare.

Watch this short video to learn more about evidence synthesis and why we need it:

This video was created using a user-centred design approach, using members of the public at multiple stages. You can read more about its development in this paper: Development of a video-based evidence synthesis knowledge translation resource: Drawing on a user-centred design approach.

Additional Resources: 

Thursday, May 4, 2023