Knowledge Synthesis Approach Research Articles

Synthetic Knowledge Synthesis in Hospital Libraries

ABSTRACT Knowledge explosion is associated with the exponential growth of research literature production, triggering the need for new approaches to structure and synthesize knowledge. Traditional knowledge synthesis approaches have weaknesses like requiring many resources, being time and labor consuming, and being executed manually. To overcome these weaknesses, we developed a new semi-automated synthesis approach, synthetic knowledge synthesis (SKS). The new approach is a triangulation of bibliometrics, bibliometric mapping, and content analysis and can be used by hospital librarians to advance their role as partners in health research. In this paper, we present SKS and demonstrate its use.

Research Trends in Motivation and Weight Loss: A Bibliometric-Based Review

Obesity is a complex disease that, like COVID-19, has reached pandemic proportions. Consequently, it has become a rapidly growing scientific field, represented by an extensive body of research publications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present the research trends in the scientific literature on motivation and weight loss. Because traditional knowledge synthesis approaches are not appropriate for analyzing large corpora of research evidence, we utilized a novel knowledge synthesis approach called synthetic knowledge synthesis (SKS) to generate new holistic insights into obesity research focusing on motivation. SKS is a triangulation of bibliometric analysis, bibliometric mapping, and content analysis. Using it, we analyzed the corpus of publications retrieved from the Scopus database, using the search string TITLE-ABS-KEY((obesity or overweight) and “weight loss” and motiv*) in titles, keywords, and abstracts, without any additional inclusion or exclusion criteria. The search resulted in a corpus of 2301 publications. The United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Australia were the most productive countries. Four themes emerged, namely, weight loss and weight-loss maintenance through motivational interventions, lifestyle changes supported by smart ICT, maintaining sustainable weight with a healthier lifestyle, and weight management on the level of primary healthcare and bariatric surgery. Further, we established that the volume of research literature is growing, as is the scope of the research. However, we observed a regional concentration of research and its funding in developed countries and almost nonexistent research cooperation between developed and less-developed countries.

Mobile learning in nursing education: A bibliometric analysis and visualization

AimThis study performed a bibliometric analysis of studies related to mobile learning in the field of nursing education. MethodsThe Scopus database was used to determine the most frequently cited studies on mobile learning in nursing education. VOSviewer and Bibliometrix were employed for bibliometric analysis and visualization. Science mapping and performance analysis was adopted from bibliometric analysis techniques. In addition, a synthetic knowledge synthesis approach was used. ResultsA total of 234 publications were published in 107 sources in 2002–2023. The publications had 8797 citations, an average of 88 citations per publication. In terms of total link strength (TLS), links, a number of articles and citations, the US led all other countries in the field. Regarding authors, Hwang was the most frequently cited authors (n = 348). According to trend topics analysis, the keywords "gamification", "simulation", "attitude", “clinical competence” and "online learning" have emerged in the field. ConclusionResearch on mobile learning in nursing education has been increasing in recent years. The findings of this study can provide new ideas in the applications of mobile learning in nursing education to researchers or nursing faculties in the field.

Practical and Relevant Guidelines for the Management of Psoriasis: An Inference-Based Methodology.

IntroductionPsoriasis (Pso) is a common, immune-mediated, chronic-relapsing, inflammatory skin disease. While a great deal is known about Pso and its treatment, there remain several treatment scenarios unaddressed by clinical studies. To be effective, treatment for Pso must alter the activity of one or more immunological pathways important in the pathogenesis of the disease. While the benefit of blocking these pathways may be apparent, there remain uncertainties regarding safety, such as infections, malignancies, and the potential for off-target effects. Existing guidelines and treatment recommendations rely primarily on clinical trial or observational data, none of which adequately address specific clinical challenges. This document describes a methodological framework for generating practical and clinically relevant guidance for situations where direct evidence is rare or absent. Guidelines implementing this framework are currently ongoing.MethodsWe develop a knowledge synthesis approach to guideline development, utilizing clinical trial data where available, and a formalized inferential decision-making process that considers indirect data coupled with structured expert opinion and analysis. This approach is best suited for situations where direct, high-level evidence is lacking. Support for each resultant recommendation is expressed as a quantified assessment of confidence.ResultsThe topics to be addressed by this set of guidelines are ranked by clinicians and patients as areas of concern, with an emphasis on topics where high-level evidence may have limited availability.ConclusionThrough this novel approach, we will derive practical, informative recommendations using the best evidence available in combination with structured expert opinion to guide best practices in complex, real-world settings. Supplementary file2 (MP4 98653 kb)Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13555-021-00642-5.

Circular economy research: A bibliometric analysis (2000–2019) and future research insights

This study undertakes an empirical analysis of the circular economy (CE) literature published between 2000 and 2019 and articulates the key research themes on the basis of content analysis and citation mapping of the top-cited CE-related articles. HistCite software was used to perform bibliometric citation meta-analysis on a sample of 2279 articles, obtained from the ISI Web of Science database, having 89,995 global cited references. Influential journals, articles, yearly trends, institutions, and authors in CE research were identified and presented in this study. Content analysis and citation mapping of the top-cited 33 articles revealed the following key research themes: 1) CE assessment methods and frameworks, 2) CE concept and sustainability, 3) Inter-disciplinary research in circular context, 4) CE adoption – country, region or firm level, 5) CE recycling, recovery, and reuse, 6) CE and environmental economics, 7) CE and eco-industrial parks, 8) CE and resource life extension, 9) CE and design of circular products and 10) CE rebound. Subsequently, a knowledge synthesis approach was applied to develop an integrated, multi-dimensional conceptual framework depicting the linkage between CE drivers, stakeholders, CE practice indicators, and performance measures. Finally, future research directions from recent articles were analyzed, and suggestions are made for future CE research themes.

Introducing the model of cognitive-communication competence: A model to guide evidence-based communication interventions after brain injury

ABSTRACTPrimary objective: Communication impairments associated with acquired brain injury (ABI) are devastating in their impact on family, community, social, academic, and vocational participation. Despite international evidence-based guidelines for communication interventions, evidence practice gaps include under identification of communication deficits, infrequent referrals, and inadequate treatment to realize functional communication outcomes. Evidence-informed communication intervention requires synthesis of abundant interdisciplinary research. This study describes the development of the model of cognitive-communication competence, a new model that summarizes a complex array of influences on communication to provide a holistic view of communication competence after ABI.Research design: A knowledge synthesis approach was employed to integrate interdisciplinary evidence relevant to communication competence.Methods and procedures: Development of the model included review of the incidence of communication impairments, practice guidelines, and factors relevant to communication competence guided by three key questions. This was followed by expert consultation with researchers, clinicians, and individuals with ABI.Main outcomes and results: The resulting model comprises 7 domains, 7 competencies, and 47 factors related to communication functioning and intervention.Conclusion: This model could bridge evidence to practice by promoting a comprehensive and consistent view of communication competence for evidence synthesis, clinical decision-making, outcome measurement, and interprofessional collaboration.

Using rapid reviews: an example from a study conducted to inform policy-making.

A discussion of the potential use of rapid review approaches in nursing and midwifery research which presents a worked example from a study conducted to inform policy decision-making. Rapid reviews, which can be defined as outputs of a knowledge synthesis approach that involves modifying or omitting elements of a systematic review process due to limited time or resources, are becoming increasingly popular in health research. This paper provides guidance on how a rapid review can be undertaken and discusses the strengths and challenges of the approach. Data from a rapid review of the literature undertaken in 2015 is used as a worked example to highlight one method of undertaking a rapid review. Seeking evidence to inform health policy-making or evidence based practice is a process that can be limited by time constraints, making it difficult to conduct comprehensive systematic reviews. Rapid reviews provide a solution as they are a systematic method of synthesizing evidence quickly. There is no single best way to conduct a rapid review but researchers can ensure they are adhering to best practice by being systematic, having subject and methodological expertise on the review team, reporting the details of the approach they took, highlighting the limitations of the approach, engaging in good evidence synthesis and communicating regularly with end users, other team members and experts.

Characteristics and knowledge synthesis approach for 456 network meta-analyses: a scoping review

BackgroundNetwork meta-analysis (NMA) has become a popular method to compare more than two treatments. This scoping review aimed to explore the characteristics and methodological quality of knowledge synthesis approaches underlying the NMA process. We also aimed to assess the statistical methods applied using the Analysis subdomain of the ISPOR checklist.MethodsComprehensive literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception until April 14, 2015. References of relevant reviews were scanned. Eligible studies compared at least four different interventions from randomised controlled trials with an appropriate NMA approach. Two reviewers independently performed study selection and data abstraction of included articles. All discrepancies between reviewers were resolved by a third reviewer. Data analysis involved quantitative (frequencies) and qualitative (content analysis) methods. Quality was evaluated using the AMSTAR tool for the conduct of knowledge synthesis and the ISPOR tool for statistical analysis.ResultsAfter screening 3538 citations and 877 full-text papers, 456 NMAs were included. These were published between 1997 and 2015, with 95% published after 2006. Most were conducted in Europe (51%) or North America (31%), and approximately one-third reported public sources of funding. Overall, 84% searched two or more electronic databases, 62% searched for grey literature, 58% performed duplicate study selection and data abstraction (independently), and 62% assessed risk of bias. Seventy-eight (17%) NMAs relied on previously conducted systematic reviews to obtain studies for inclusion in their NMA. Based on the AMSTAR tool, almost half of the NMAs incorporated quality appraisal results to formulate conclusions, 36% assessed publication bias, and 16% reported the source of funding. Based on the ISPOR tool, half of the NMAs did not report if an assessment for consistency was conducted or whether they accounted for inconsistency when present. Only 13% reported heterogeneity assumptions for the random-effects model.ConclusionsThe knowledge synthesis methods and analytical process for NMAs are poorly reported and need improvement.

Conceptual recommendations for selecting the most appropriate knowledge synthesis method to answer research questions related to complex evidence

ObjectiveTo compare and contrast different knowledge synthesis methods and map their specific steps through a scoping review to gain a better understanding of how to select the most appropriate knowledge synthesis method to answer research questions of complex evidence. Study design and settingElectronic databases were searched to identify studies reporting emerging knowledge synthesis methods (e.g., Realist review) across multidisciplinary fields. Two reviewers independently selected studies and abstracted data for each article. ResultsWe synthesized diverse, often conflicting evidence to identify 12 unique knowledge synthesis methods and 13 analysis methods. We organized the 12 full knowledge synthesis methods according to their purpose, outputs and applicability for practice and policy, as well as general guidance on formulating the research question. To make sense of the overlap across these knowledge synthesis methods, we derived a conceptual algorithm to elucidate the process for selecting the optimal knowledge synthesis methods for particular research questions. ConclusionThese findings represent a preliminary understanding on which we will base further advancement of knowledge in this field. As part of next steps, we will convene a meeting of international leaders in the field aimed at clarifying emerging knowledge synthesis approaches.

Knowledge synthesis approaches–spoilt for choice?

Knowledge synthesis approaches–spoilt for choice?