Methods for knowledge synthesis: an overview

Objectives: To highlight recent advances in knowledge synthesis methods and reporting guidelines.

Background: Knowledge synthesis is critical to advancing practice, research, and policy, but synthesizing knowledge from an often-heterogeneous body of literature is challenging.

Methods: A review of knowledge synthesis methods and reporting guidelines for health sciences research was completed using Google Scholar, Medline, CINAHL, and PsycInfo. Relevant information was critiqued and summarized for applicability to health science and practice.

Results: Recent advances and guidelines pertaining to systematic reviews, meta-analysis, qualitative synthesis, mixed studies reviews, integrative reviews, scoping reviews, RE-AIM reviews, and umbrella reviews are discussed and examples of the application of each method to cardiopulmonary research are provided. Methods of quality appraisal are also presented.

Conclusions: Advancements in knowledge synthesis and reporting guidelines enhance the quality, scope, and applicability of results; thus improving health science and clinical practice, and advancing health policy.