Investigating complexity in systematic reviews of interventions by using a spectrum of methods

摘要: Systematic reviews framed by PICOS (Populations, Interventions, Comparisons, Outcomes, and Study designs) have been valuable for synthesizing evidence about the effects of interventions. However, this framework is limited in its utility exploring influence variations within populations or interventions, mechanisms action causal pathways thought to mediate outcomes, other contextual factors that might similarly moderate how when these elements interact. Valuable insights into issues come from configurative as well aggregative methods synthesis. This article considers range can be used systematic interventions investigate complexity terms potential sources variation their effects, presents a continuum purposes for, approaches to, Choosing an appropriate synthesis method takes account whether purpose generate, explore, test theories. Taking economic shifts emphasis strategies focused on aggregation toward aim develop, refine (in advance testing) theories explanations why are more less resource intensive, costly cost-effective different settings, implemented ways.