So, Whats Wrong with Systematic Reviews?
Before we rush into a program of synthesis, it is worth pointing out that many synthesis methods are emerging – the techniques (how to do it) and definitions (what it is) are being developed (Mays et al. 2005; Dixon-Woods et al. 2005). Lomas differentiates summative and interpretive approaches to synthesis. He argues that summative approaches centre on questions of effectiveness, while interpretive approaches are more closely allied to the needs of policy makers and managers. Unfortunately, this implies that policy makers and managers do not need summative accounts. We would suggest that effectiveness reviews may be a necessary, but not sufficient, aid to policy makers and management (they still need to know “what works”). Moreover, there are examples of Cochrane-style systematic reviews aimed at exactly the broad, complex policy-type questions that both Lomas and Lavis et al. identify (Garcia et al. 2002; Harden et al. 2004). There is a danger, in overstating the distinction between s
