RS is a carefully crafted, systematic, and effective methodology stressing transparency of process.  We characterize RS as a review of a clearly formulated question that uses systematic and explicit methods to identify, select and critically appraise relevant research, and to collect and analyze data from the studies that are included in the review.  Results are summarized in: (a) one-page FAQ-oriented overview; (b)  two to three page summaries (or briefs), with both graphic and narrative description; and (c) a technical report that provides more detail of the process and individual studies that form the basis of the synthesis.  Our process consists of 8 steps described here and outlined in Figure 2.

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