Structured Abstract

Contents

• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Technical Expert Panel
• Peer Reviewers
• Executive Summary
• Background
  • Objective
• Methods
  • Step 1. Focused Literature Review
  • Step 2. Review of Current Practices of Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs)
  • Step 3. Review of Current Practices of Organizations Involved With Evidence Synthesis
  • Step 4. Development of Framework
  • Step 5. Pilot Test of Framework
  • Step 6. Refinement and Finalization of Framework
• Results
  • Step 1. Focused Literature Review
  • Step 2. Review of Current Practices of Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs)
  • Step 3. Review of Current Practices of Organizations Involved With Evidence Synthesis
  • Step 4. Development of Framework
  • Step 5. Pilot Test of Framework
  • Step 6. Refinement and Finalization of Framework
• Discussion
  • Strengths
  • Limitations and Future Research
• Conclusions
• References
• Abbreviations
• Appendixes
  • Appendix A. AHRQ’s Seven Questions About the Development, Prioritization, and Presentation of Research Needs
  • Appendix B. Step 2: Review of Current Practices of Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs)—Data Abstraction Form for Audit of Evidence Reports
  • Appendix C. Step 2: Review of Current Practices of Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs)—Responses Obtained From EPCs
  • Appendix D. Step 3: Review of Current Practices of Organizations Involved With Evidence Synthesis—List of Contacted Organizations
  • Appendix E. Step 3: Review of Current Practices of Organizations Involved With Evidence Synthesis—Responses Obtained and Final Determinations of Formal Processes
  • Appendix F. Step 4: Development of Framework—Instructions for Research Gaps Abstraction Worksheet

Suggested citation:

Robinson KA, Saldanha IJ, Mckoy NA. Frameworks for determining research gaps during systematic reviews. Methods Future Research Needs Report No. 2. (Prepared by the Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. HHSA 290-2007-10061-I.) AHRQ Publication No. 11-EHC043-EF. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. June 2011. Available at: www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/reports/final.cfm.

This report is based on research conducted by the Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC) under contract to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Rockville, MD (Contract No. 290-2007-10061-I). The findings and conclusions in this document are those of the author(s), who are responsible for its contents; the findings and conclusions do not necessarily represent the views of AHRQ. Therefore, no statement in this report should be construed as an official position of AHRQ or of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The information in this report is intended to help health care researchers and funders of research make well-informed decisions in designing and funding research and thereby improve the quality of health care services. This report is not intended to be a substitute for the application of scientific judgment. Anyone who makes decisions concerning the provision of clinical care should consider this report in the same way as any medical research and in conjunction with all other pertinent information, i.e., in the context of available resources and circumstances.

This report may be used, in whole or in part, as the basis for research design or funding opportunity announcements. AHRQ or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services endorsement of such derivative products or actions may not be stated or implied.

None of the investigators has any affiliations or financial involvement that conflicts with the material presented in this report.

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