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Evidence Synthesis Reviews

Developing a question

  • Develop a relevant & answerable question
  • May use a question framework 
  • Question frameworks can be in any order ​(PICO or PCIO etc)
  • Always include population & phenomenon of interest

Question frameworks

PICO = Population / Intervention / Comparator / Outcome​

PICOC = PICO + Context ​

PICOS = PICO + Study Design​

PICOT = PICO + Timeframe​

PICOT-D = PICOT + Data measures ​

PICOTT = PICO + Type of Question + Type of study design

SPICE = Setting + Perspective/population + Intervention + Comparison + Evaluation​

SPIDER = Sample + Phenomenon of Interest + Design + Evaluation + Research type

ECLIPSE = Expectation + Client group + Location + Impact + Professionals + Service​

CIMO = Context + Intervention + Mechanism + Outcome ​

Use of AI in developing a question

Some people use GenerativeAI to help them think through and structure their question

Luo, X., Chen, F., Zhu, D., Wang, L., Wang, Z., Liu, H., Lyu, M., Wang, Y., Wang, Q., & Chen, Y. (2024). Potential Roles of Large Language Models in the Production of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. J Med Internet Res, 26, e56780. https://doi.org/10.2196/56780  

Library class: Overview of Systematic, Scoping and Other Evidence Synthesis Reviews

Step into the world of evidence synthesis and learn what’s involved in systematic reviews, scoping reviews and more.  

This session provides an overview of various types of evidence synthesis reviews. Learn about the differences in the methodologies, requirements, and processes for Systematic Reviews, Scoping Reviews, and more. Offered by NSLHD Libraries in conjunction with RNS ICU Research’s A/Prof Rosalind Elliott.

Watch a recording of this class 

We also offer the more advanced Undertaking Systematic, Scoping and Other Evidence Synthesis Reviews, parts I and II.