Six-component taxonomy of evidence synthesis skills based on the JBI Manual¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 1 claim (1 mixed) · 1 study (1 review), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The protocol defines the core evidence synthesis skills to be explored, identified based on the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The taxonomy has six branches: formulating an answerable research question (eg, using the PICO framework), developing a comprehensive search strategy, selecting and extracting information, critically evaluating information, analysing and interpreting scientific information, and writing a summarised report for effective communication. The review will map educational approaches onto these predefined components.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Skills are defined per the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and operationalised through the PCC framework for study selection

Constraints¶

• The taxonomy covers pharmacy students as the population; the review excludes non-empirical literature such as theoretical frameworks and educational policies

Target Learners¶

• pharmacy students

Target Learning Objectives¶

• evidence synthesis skills including research question development, literature searching, study selection, critical appraisal, data analysis and interpretation, and report writing

Claims¶

• Inadequate evidence synthesis skills left nearly 70% of pharmacy students and practitioners reporting lack of confidence in applying evidence in patient care [~W]

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

• Registered scoping review protocol on evidence synthesis education for pharmacy students
• Map educational approaches onto predefined evidence synthesis skill components, delivery modes and outcome-measure categories when charting the literature

Key Sources¶

• Kapu H, Shetty Veekshitha S, Rajendran Rajalakshmi, Sekhar M Sonal, Kunhikatta Vijayanarayana, Unnikrishnan B, Khan Sohil, Gunning Tiffany K, Athan Eugene, Saha Sajal K, Thunga Girish. (2026). Exploring educational approaches and strategies for developing evidence synthesis skills among pharmacy students: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2026-119283