Synthesis objective | Method | Questions to guide analysis | Anticipated outputs |
---|---|---|---|
1: To characterize the synthesis methodologies | We will categorize or ‘chart’ [47] the synthesis methodology reported in each of the included studies using specific questions to guide the analysis | 1. What is a general description of the knowledge synthesis method? | · To identify ‘x’ articles that report a knowledge synthesis method and of these, ‘y’ articles used the subjective idealism approach in ‘z’ discipline. |
 |  | 2. What is the purpose of the knowledge synthesis method? | · A taxonomy of knowledge synthesis methods across multidisciplinary fields o Categorization of the synthesis methods to reveal what research is available within specific disciplines |
 |  | 3.What is the epistemological approach of the method? Is it subjective idealism (i.e., there is no shared reality independent of multiple alternative human constructions) or objective idealism (i.e., there is a world of collectively shared understandings)? |  |
 |  | 4. Which discipline is the knowledge synthesis associated with (e.g., health, philosophy)? |  |
 |  | 5. What type of evidence can be synthesized by the knowledge synthesis method – quantitative, qualitative or mixed quantitative and qualitative? |  |
 |  | 6. How has the method been used to answer healthcare topics? | o Additional categories may be identified iteratively through completion of the search and in consultation with the team members including the knowledge users |
2: To identify the similarities and differences between these methods | We will categorize articles that specifically address the similarities and differences between the knowledge synthesis methods by comparing the synthesis methodology reported in each of the included studies | 1. What are the similarities and differences among the knowledge synthesis methods? | · An in-depth comparison of the review methods in a table including: |
 |  | 2. How does the method differ from ‘traditional’ systematic review methods? | i. The specific features of the method that make it more appropriate to answer a question |
 |  | 3. What is the minimum expertise required to implement the knowledge synthesis method? Are particular skills required? Is a particular disciplinary background recommended? | i. The facilitators and barriers to using one synthesis method over another (especially if more than one synthesis method may be appropriate to answer the same research question) |
 |  | 4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each knowledge synthesis method? |  |
 |  | 5. How comprehensive is the knowledge synthesis method? Can it be used for the entire synthesis or only for a part of the synthesis (e.g., the analysis)? |  |
 |  | 6. How applicable is the method and how can it be applied to healthcare interventions? |  |
3: To map out a process for conducting different synthesis methods and to provide an approach for matching the appropriate method to answer research questions | We will categorize key articles that explicitly explain the specific methodology of the knowledge synthesis method. | 1. What are the specific steps to conducting the knowledge synthesis method? | · An algorithm to guide synthesis methodology (informed by findings from objective 2 and consultation with knowledge users) |
 |  | 2. Was the method empirically derived (i.e., through experiment and observation) or theoretically derived? | · The mapping of specific steps to conducting the review · A bibliography of articles that describe how to conduct the different knowledge synthesis methods |
 |  | 3. Are the steps operationalized (i.e., reported in a reproducible manner)? |  |
 |  | 4. In what disciplinary fields and contexts are the steps operationalizable? Can they feasibly be applied to other contexts? |  |