http://www.milbank.org/reports/2004Moynihan/Moynihan.pdf

Systematic reviews, based on the science of research synthesis, are an increasingly influential source of useful information about the effectiveness of interventions in health care and other areas of public concern. Scientists in many countries are using the methods of research synthesis to prepare rigorous systematic reviews of evidence from published and unpublished studies. These reviews are informing the judgments of many clinicians and policymakers about which interventions are likely to be most appropriate for particular patients and populations. (Au)