Project Description:
There has been a rapid expansion in the amount and availability of scientific evidence produced to inform policy and clinical practice. This creates challenges around quality assurance of the evidence generated (as not all evidence syntheses are created equal) and also dissemination of that information. It is accepted that healthcare decisions should be based on a synthesis of the global body of evidence rather than relying on the convenient selection of one or more discrete studies. Thus, the demand for evidence synthesis skills is gaining momentum and a critical mass of experts in a range of synthesis methodologies is required. The primary aim of Evidence Synthesis Ireland (ESI) is to build evidence synthesis knowledge, awareness and capacity among the public, healthcare institutions and policymakers, clinicians and researchers on the island of Ireland. In order to build this capacity, to increase the capability of individuals, organizations and institutions to undertake evidence synthesis, and to promote the conduct of high-quality evidence synthesis methodology, ESI will host the ESI Fellowship Scheme. The overall objective of the Fellowship is to give the Fellow the opportunity to learn about evidence synthesis, and develop the practical skills of how to plan, design, conduct and report an evidence synthesis. By developing talented and skilled Fellows, the scheme will build our capacity to undertake high quality evidence syntheses on the island of Ireland. The UCEDD's Associate Director for Research, Dr. Reichow, is mentoring a fellow from Evidence Synthesis Ireland through their participation in conducting the Cochrane Review of Social Skills Groups for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
