Information synthesis: a practical guide.

Information synthesis is one of the most valuable contributions a scientist can make. This paper offers guidance in preparing information synthesis and a means of assessing their adequacy. Preparing an information synthesis requires four steps: defining the topic and relevant information about that topic, the purpose of the synthesis, and the target audience; systematically gathering this relevant information; assessing the validity of such information; and presenting validated information in a way useful to the target audience. This paper presents guidelines and criteria for each step, and some helpful hints for authors in preparing an information synthesis.