The purpose of this guide is to connect you with useful information and resources to learn about the different types of knowledge syntheses (method-driven reviews), such as systematic reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, among others, and the process of conducting them. 

*Note: Librarians do not give guidance on how to conduct a knowledge syntheses study. Students looking for guidance on the steps of the review process should contact their supervisor, or consult the appropriate methods. Librarians are happy to guide you on selecting information resources, and teaching you how to search comprehensively

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) (2016) defines knowledge syntheses as:

"'the contextualization and integration of research findings of individual research studies within the larger body of knowledge on the topic. A synthesis must be reproducible and transparent in its methods, using quantitative and/or qualitative methods."

Systematic reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, meta-analyses, realist reviews, living systematic reviews, narrative syntheses, practice guidelines, among others, are all forms of knowledge syntheses.

Before you start, make sure you are ready to start your review. 

	Overview on different types of knowledge syntheses
	General process of conducting knowledge syntheses
	Develop your protocol
	Best practices on the conduct of systematic reviews
	Best practices on the conduct of scoping reviews
	Best practices on the conduct of rapid reviews
	Comprehensive list of standards and guidelines for different review types
	Tools for conducting and managing your review

This work is openly licensed via CC BY-NC-SA 4.0. For information on this guide contact Patricia Ayala, Research Services Librarian at Gerstein Science Information Centre