Systematic reviews: what have they got to offer evidence based policy and practice

This paper contributes to the debate on extending the use of systematic reviews to a wider range of policy areas. It examines ways in which the systematic review presents a distinctive approach to synthesising research, exploring the challenges faced by researchers who use the systematic review outside clinical medicine and identifying reasons why it is sometimes contentious in the social policy and practice field. Areas in which the social sciences can contribute to the development of review methodology are outlined: for example, through sharing experience of user involvement and approaches to qualitative research. The wider impact of systematic reviewing on the quality of primary research is also discussed, together with the tools and training resources available to support this activity.

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