Evidence gap maps: a tool for promoting the use of evidence in a user-friendly format

Article type
Authors
Virendrakumar B1
1Sightsavers
Abstract
Background: Evidence Gap Maps (EGMs) are visual tools presenting the available evidence on different thematic areas and highlight gaps for future research. EGMs developed by the international non-governmental organisation, Sightsavers, summarise, appraise, and present evidence from systematic/literature reviews across different eye health thematic areas. Updating an EGM periodically allows us to monitor changes to the extent and quality of the evidence base, and to refine the focus for future research. Methods: After conducting a comprehensive literature search, we sift and extract data from all relevant reviews. Appraisal is conducted independently using a validated tool, allowing us to attribute a confidence level of low, medium, or high to the review. Strength of evidence is assessed as strong, inconclusive, or weak based on the availability of evidence found by the review authors in answering their research question. Each review is displayed in a matrix where columns show thematic areas, labelled as sectors and sub-sectors, and the rows show the strength of evidence. Changes to the evidence base are assessed periodically to compare the numbers/percentages of included reviews across different areas, including thematic focus and review quality. Conclusion: EGMs allow decisionmakers and clinicians to plan their interventions on the most up-to-date knowledge and high-quality research, which, in turn, helps ensure that patients are receiving the best possible care.