Knowledge synthesis (KS) refers to research methods comprising the following steps:
There are different methods of knowledge synthesis. Common ones include systematic reviews and scoping reviews. However, there are also several other types of reviews. Please see Types of Reviews for more information.
If you simply need a few articles to provide evidence to support your project, you want a literature review and do not require a knowledge synthesis.
If you want to answer specific questions related to a healthcare topic by summarizing all of the most reliable information about the topic, then a knowledge synthesis may be right for you.
If you are cross-appointed with Dalhousie University, you may be able to get assistance with your KS project through Dal Libraries. Please check out Dal’s Knowledge Syntheses: A How-To Guide.
You can also connect with the health science librarians at Dal by emailing kellogg@dal.ca
If you are affiliated with MSSU, you can get help with search and methodology development through their evidence synthesis coordinator. This can include:
Keep in mind, they only support reviews that include patient partners as members of the research team.
The Innovation Hub at Nova Scotia Health provides rapid review services to help with key policies and practice improvement initiatives. This includes evidence synthesis and jurisdictional scans.
