Enhancing experimental rigor through education in evidence synthesis - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT More research is being published now than any other time in history and that research is accessible worldwide. Due to the rapid proliferation of research, it can be difficult if not impossible for an individual to stay abreast of important findings which can impact research and evidence-based practice. Yet, having a comprehensive understanding of the literature is foundational to advancing knowledge. This allows a researcher to identify existing gaps in knowledge so that they can design new research to advance the area forward. One way to achieve this is through a rigorous evidence synthesis, or a systematic approach to gathering and analyzing results from multiple sources. In practice, the use of evidence syntheses requires improvement, as they are often poorly conducted and reported, which has serious downstream impacts on public health. While there are ample resources currently available to researchers on the topic, they are underutilized and may not be fully accessible to all individuals who may benefit from them. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) seeks to improve fundamental knowledge through timely dissemination of scientific discoveries in the area of neurological disease. This mission, across the translational spectrum, is fully supported by enhancing skills in evidence synthesis, which can prevent waste in research investment. As knowledge of the brain and nervous system advances rapidly, scientists in this area have to be highly reflexive to changing current knowledge to ensure that their work is relevant. Training in the skills of evidence synthesis enables this. Accordingly, the aim of this proposal is to develop, evaluate, and disseminate a series of educational modules on rigorous approaches to science focused on evidence synthesis. The proposed modules will cover (1) an introduction to evidence synthesis, (2) developing a research question and proposal, (3) designing literature searches, (4) conducting an evidence synthesis, (5) analyzing data from an evidence synthesis, and (6) reporting results from an evidence synthesis. The modules will be designed to be utilized by different levels of learners (introductory, intermediate, and advanced) and apply across the translational spectrum (basic science, clinical science, and public health). Module development, evaluation, and dissemination will occur with an iterative process of review and feedback across multiple stakeholders (experts and lay persons alike) to create a useful and comprehensive final product. The opportunity to improve the use of evidence synthesis techniques through a platform that is accessible to all interested scientists has significant potential to enhance scientific rigor, and ultimately, improve public health.
