5.2.10.5 Conclusions

This section should begin with an overall conclusion based on the results. The conclusions drawn should match the review objective/question.

Recommendations for practice or policy

This subsection of the Conclusion section should include the recommendations for practice inferred from the results of the review, and also based on the discussion of the generalizability of the results, and the potential factors that may affect the applicability of the results. The recommendations must be based on the documented results, not reviewer opinion. Recommendations must be clear, concise and unambiguous. Refer to the editorial⁴⁶ for further discussion regarding the appropriateness of making recommendations in systematic reviews.

Recommendations for research

All recommendations for research must be derived from the results of the review, based on identified gaps, or on areas of weakness in the literature such as professional credibility of the authors. Recommendations for research should avoid generalized statements calling for further research but should be linked to specific issues. Recommendations must be clear, concise and unambiguous.