The Evidence Synthesis Taxonomy Initiative (ESTI), including over 148 evidence synthesis experts from across the world, is aiming to create a living taxonomy of evidence synthesis types.
As part of this work, the ESTI recently completed a scoping review that identified existing terms used to categorise or distinguish between different evidence synthesis approaches (Investigating different typologies for the synthesis of evidence: a scoping review). These evidence synthesis approaches and related information have been made available in an Excel document titled the ESTI database of evidence synthesis types. Being an inventory of evidence synthesis types and their methods, this database will assist with future methodological work to determine which types are distinct evidence synthesis terms and to help guide decisions on the most appropriate type of evidence synthesis for specific fields.