Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences

For more information about librarian assistance in conducting a knowledge synthesis:

McGill University Library has a subscription to Covidence, a useful tool for importing database records, removing duplicate records, screening, documenting critical appraisal/risk of bias and data extraction, and exporting data. Covidence also allows members of the McGill community to invite external reviewers to join their review team.

For access and support for Covidence, please consult: https://support.covidence.org/help/mcgill-university-library

This guide covers the steps in the process of a knowledge synthesis.

1. Question: Formulate a clear, answerable question

2. Protocol: Write and register a protocol that outlines the steps you will take in the review

3. Search: Conduct a systematic, reproducible search to find articles relevant to your question

4. Screening: Look at each article to see if it matches your inclusion and exclusion criteria

5. Appraisal: Assess the quality of the studies included in your review

6. Synthesis: Summarize the knowledge you have found

7. Writing: Write your methods and results for publication