To ensure that the conclusions of a systematic review are based on the highest quality of evidence, it is important to appraise the included studies in a standardized manner. Once you have completed your analysis, you will want to both summarize and synthesize results. You may have a qualitative synthesis, a quantitative synthesis, or both.
- When conducting the quality appraisal of included studies there should be a minimum of two reviewers. The appraisal process includes the assessment of internal and external validity as well as determining biases affecting methodological quality. Validity answers the question of how close the results are to the truth.
- To appraise studies, it is useful to use a checklist of necessary elements . There are various checklists available depending upon the type of study being assessed.
- Describe how the pieces of your work fit together. This will often compare and contrast the characteristics and findings, exploring the relationships between them. Be sure to address the relevance and applicability of the evidence to your research question.
- Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the body of evidence. Focus on where the gaps are in the evidence and provide recommendations for further research.
Quantitative Synthesis
- Whether or not the Systematic Review includes a full meta-analysis, there is some element of data analysis.
- The quantitative synthesis combines and analyzes the evidence using statistical techniques. This includes comparing methodological similarities and differences and potentially the quality of the studies conducted.
