Abstract

Session presented on: Monday, July 22, 2013: Evidence-based practice requires multiple steps including the synthesis of evidence. Despite its importance, the synthesis of evidence is often a misunderstood step. Without rigorous evidence synthesis, the practice guidance developed may be misguided. This presentation will define evidence synthesis, differentiate evidence synthesis from a summarization of evidence, and will describe forms of synthesis useful to researchers, educators, and practicing clinicians. Evidence synthesis is not a mere summarization of research studies. Rather, it is a grouping and collating of evidence that creates new knowledge. Evidence synthesis seeks to answer two significant questions, 'What is known about this topic?' and 'What is not known about this topic?' In answering those questions, a new gestalt is formed. The purpose of evidence synthesis is to uncover all relevant evidence, integrate empirical research to create generalizations, and to explicitly and exhaustively report the evidence found and the resulting practice guidance. Synthesized evidence can be found in many formats including evidence summaries, practice guidelines, and systematic reviews. This presentation will include the following topics: Purpose of evidence synthesis Synthesis vs. summarization Forms of synthesized evidence Developing a clear understanding of evidence synthesis and the related processes supports the implementation of sound practice and leads to practice solutions. The result can be improved nursing practice leading to enhanced patient outcomes.

Author Details

Susan M. Weeks, DNP, RN, CNS, LMFT, FAAN

Sigma Membership

Unknown

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Evidence Synthesis, Evidence-based Practice

Conference Name

24th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Prague, Czech Republic

Conference Year

2013

Rights Holder

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Evidence Synthesis Strategies to Enhance Evidence-Based Practice

Prague, Czech Republic

Session presented on: Monday, July 22, 2013: Evidence-based practice requires multiple steps including the synthesis of evidence. Despite its importance, the synthesis of evidence is often a misunderstood step. Without rigorous evidence synthesis, the practice guidance developed may be misguided. This presentation will define evidence synthesis, differentiate evidence synthesis from a summarization of evidence, and will describe forms of synthesis useful to researchers, educators, and practicing clinicians. Evidence synthesis is not a mere summarization of research studies. Rather, it is a grouping and collating of evidence that creates new knowledge. Evidence synthesis seeks to answer two significant questions, 'What is known about this topic?' and 'What is not known about this topic?' In answering those questions, a new gestalt is formed. The purpose of evidence synthesis is to uncover all relevant evidence, integrate empirical research to create generalizations, and to explicitly and exhaustively report the evidence found and the resulting practice guidance. Synthesized evidence can be found in many formats including evidence summaries, practice guidelines, and systematic reviews. This presentation will include the following topics: Purpose of evidence synthesis Synthesis vs. summarization Forms of synthesized evidence Developing a clear understanding of evidence synthesis and the related processes supports the implementation of sound practice and leads to practice solutions. The result can be improved nursing practice leading to enhanced patient outcomes.