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Evidence-Based Practice in Rehabilitation

Synthesizing the Literature

Synthesis involves combining ideas or results from two or more sources in a meaningful way. In EBP the synthesis is focused on the clinical question. You may combine the details from the article appraisals into themes to organize the ideas. The writing must remain objective and accurately report the information from the original sources.

  • Strength of evidence is based on the quantity, quality and consistency (of results) of a body of literature.
    • Quantity: The number of studies available
    • Quality: The level and strength of evidence available
    • Consistency of results: The consistency of the research findings
  • Applicability of evidence: Determined by ability for evidence to answer questions

Discuss implications for practice, education, or research. The discussion may include suggestions or recommendations for changes to practice, education or research as well as confirmation of current practice. A table may be used to display the information collected from the articles under discussion.

Synthesis Table

 

Article 1

[1st Author and Year]

Article 2

[1st Author and Year]

Article 3

[1st Author and Year]

Article 4

[1st Author and Year]

Population

 

 

 

 

Setting

 

 

 

 

Outcome Measure(s)

 

 

 

 

Study Design

 

 

 

 

Intervention

 

 

 

 

Key Findings

 

 

 

 

Critical appraisal

 

 

 

 

Study Quality

 

 

 

 

Additional Resources