Rebelo Da Silva, N;
Zaranyika, H;
Langer, L;
Randall, N;
Muchiri, E;
Stewart, R;
(2017)
Making the Most of What We Already Know: A Three-Stage Approach to Systematic Reviewing.
Evaluation Review
, 41
(2)
pp. 155-172.
10.1177/0193841X16666363.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Conducting a systematic review in social policy is a resource-intensive process in terms of time and funds. It is thus important to understand the scope of the evidence base of a topic area prior to conducting a synthesis of primary research in order to maximize these resources. One approach to conserving resources is to map out the available evidence prior to undertaking a traditional synthesis. A few examples of this approach exist in the form of gap maps, overviews of reviews, and systematic maps supported by social policy and systematic review agencies alike. Despite this growing call for alternative approaches to systematic reviews, it is still common for systematic review teams to embark on a traditional in-depth review only. OBJECTIVES: This article describes a three-stage approach to systematic reviewing that was applied to a systematic review focusing in interventions for smallholder farmers in Africa. We argue that this approach proved useful in helping us to understand the evidence base. RESULTS: By applying preliminary steps as part of a three-stage approach, we were able to maximize the resources needed to conduct a traditional systematic review on a more focused research question. This enabled us to identify and fill real knowledge gaps, build on work that had already been done, and avoid wasting resources on areas of work that would have no useful outcome. It also facilitated meaningful engagement between the review team and our key policy stakeholders.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Making the Most of What We Already Know: A Three-Stage Approach to Systematic Reviewing |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1177/0193841X16666363 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1177/0193841X16666363 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | systematic review, systematic map, three-stage approach, evidence, synthesis, smallholder farmers |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Education > UCL Institute of Education > IOE - Social Research Institute |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10071686 |
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