Mapping the landscape of knowledge synthesis.

Knowledge translation is the means by which evidence-based practice is used in health care. Knowledge synthesis, a foundational element of knowledge translation, is a systematic, transparent, reproducible, efficient and scientific approach to identifying and summarising research findings for generalisable and consistent messages. Increasing numbers of knowledge synthesis methods are being applied to various types of research and, although these methods take similar approaches, they vary in rigour, process and resources. This article maps knowledge synthesis methods, by describing the specific stages, approaches and processes, and describes and compares different types of knowledge synthesis to help inform healthcare practitioners and policy makers about various designs. It also recommends a map of knowledge-synthesis designs for international agreement.