Systematic Review Methods: A Primer to Conducting Impactful Evidence Syntheses

The volume of published studies is growing exponentially, making it challenging for social work researchers and practitioners to stay abreast of the latest findings. While individual studies provide valuable insights, the best empirical evidence for driving social change comes from synthesizing multiple studies on a given topic. Thus, synthesizing research is critical to advancing science and informing practice and policy. Traditional literature reviews, characterized by their ad-hoc study selection and narrative summaries, can introduce bias and errors, leading to unreliable conclusions. Fortunately, research synthesis methods have evolved significantly over the past two decades, allowing us to synthesize evidence using rigorous methods designed to reduce error and bias in the synthesis process.

Despite the well-documented advantages of systematic reviews over narrative reviews and the increasing popularity of systematic review methods, a gap exists not only in their practical application but also in conducting them effectively due to misconceptions about their simplicity. Conducting a systematic review is a complex and rigorous process that requires crafting specific and well-thought-out research questions, developing and executing a comprehensive search and selection of studies, conducting meticulous data collection, critically evaluating study quality, and navigating the inherent complexities involved in synthesizing diverse bodies of literature. Another factor contributing to this gap is the limited teaching of systematic review methods in U.S. social work programs, stemming from either a lack of specialized training or inadequate inclusion in the curriculum. As a result, many researchers and practitioners may be unaware of the complexities involved in conducting systematic reviews or may lack the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake them effectively.

This workshop aims to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive training on systematic review methods, incorporating the latest technological advancements, to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills needed to conduct rigorous systematic reviews. Through a blend of lectures, discussions, small-group exercises, and handouts, participants will:

1. Understand the importance of using rigorous synthesis methods: Recognize the significance of employing rigorous methods for synthesizing multiple studies to generate robust evidence for informing social work practice and policy, distinguishing systematic reviews from traditional literature reviews.

2. Develop Skills in Crafting Specific Research Questions: Formulate clear, specific research questions to guide focused and relevant evidence synthesis.

3. Design Comprehensive Search and Selection Strategies: Acquire skills to develop and execute comprehensive search strategies, select relevant studies based on predefined criteria, and mitigate biases in study selection.

4. Enhance Data Collection and Evaluation Skills: Learn techniques for meticulous data collection and critical evaluation of study quality.

5. Explore Technological Advancements in Systematic Review Methods: Be introduced to technological advancements that can facilitate the process and improve efficiency.

By attending this workshop, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the importance and rigor of systematic reviews and acquire the essential skills and knowledge needed to conduct them effectively.