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Additional Options

Evidence Synthesis & Systematic Reviews

Evidence synthesis is a form of literature review in which researchers identify, select, and combine results from multiple studies. Evidence synthesis projects are often comprehensive, systematic in nature, and require more time and more focused research questions and search strategies than traditional literature reviews. Examples of evidence synthesis projects include systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and more. UW-Madison Libraries can assist you as you embark on any evidence synthesis journey.

Evidence Synthesis Research Guide

This guide introduces the process of conducting a systematic review or other evidence synthesis, focusing on disciplines outside of the health sciences.

Consult with a Librarian

UW-Madison Librarians can assist with conducting a systematic review or other evidence synthesis project. Librarians will consult with you to:

  • Identify discipline-specific guidance, existing literature reviews, and protocols to inform your process
  • Recommend databases and gray literature resources to search for the research literature
  • Craft complex and productive search strategies
  • Use citation management software and other tools to collect, organize, and screen records (citations, abstracts)

Covidence (online management tool for evidence synthesis, systematic and scoping reviews)

Request access to Covidence by sending an email to our Evidence Synthesis/Systematic Reviews support team. Account access will require using your wisc.edu email address. This access to Covidence is intended for researchers with CALS, Education, Engineering, Extension, Nelson Institute, SOHE, and other UW-Madison schools/colleges/divisions. 

Researchers affiliated with CS&D, Nursing, Pharmacy, SMPH, Veterinary Medicine, and UW-Health will contact our colleagues with Ebling Library to request access to Covidence.

Learning materials: