3.7.8 Discussion

This section should very briefly summarize and then concentrate on the discussion of the the results of the synthesis as well as any limitations of the primary studies included in the review and of the review itself (i.e. language, access, time frame, study design, etc.). DO NOT repeat the results of the review.  The results should be discussed in the context of current literature, practice and policy. It will also include a narrative discussion of the review results in comparison with other external literature, and against the broad directions established in the introduction of the review.

This section should also discuss the strength of the evidence (for each main outcome in reviews of effects); any limitations of the included studies (e.g. methodological quality, inconsistencies or errors in reporting, etc.); and any limitations or issues that arose during the conduct of the systematic review itself (e.g. limitations of the search; the impact of deviations from protocol, etc.).

The application and relevance of the findings to relevant stakeholders (e.g. healthcare providers, patients and policy makers) should also be discussed, and where applicable, an indication of whether the findings are generalizable to other populations or healthcare settings.