10.3.8.1 Search results

The presentation of results section should identify how many sources of evidence were identified and selected. There should be a narrative description of the search decision process accompanied by the source of evidence identification and inclusion decision flowchart (see Figure 11.1 below). This flowchart has been adapted from the PRISMA flowchart developed by Moher et al. (2009). The flow chart should clearly detail the review decision process, indicating the results from the search, removal of duplicate citations, source selection, full retrieval and additions from a third search, and final summary presentation.

The narrative summary should logically describe the aims or purposes of the reviewed sources, concepts adopted and results that relate to the review question/s.

The results may be classified under main conceptual categories such as: “intervention type”, “population” (and sample size, if it is the case), “duration of intervention”, “aims”, “methodology adopted”, “key findings” (evidence established) and “gaps in the research”. For each category, a clear explanation should be provided.

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