Extraction and structured synthesis

Group and summarize eligible evidence

This flow is structured synthesis of quantitative evidence. A qualitative evidence synthesis needs different analytic methods; it is not automatically supplied by this starter. Preserve effect magnitude and uncertainty where available.

Flow diagram

Steps

Pilot extraction and charting

Define independent verification and linkage of reports to studies.

Define synthesis groups

Group designs, populations, interventions, outcomes and time points explicitly.

Prioritize outcomes and measures

Prespecify selection when a study reports several measures or time points.

Specify structured synthesis

Explain why pooling is unsuitable and choose transparent synthesis methods.

Handle conflicting findings

Examine direction, magnitude, precision, context and limitations rather than counting significant results.

Plan evidence presentation

Specify tables and displays with provenance and uncertainty.