Artificial Intelligence Tools for Automating Evidence Synthesis: Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Rapidly and accurately synthesizing large volumes of evidence is a time- and resource-intensive process. Once published, reviews often risk becoming outdated, limiting their usefulness for decision makers. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled researchers to automate stages of the evidence synthesis process, from literature searching and screening to data extraction and analysis. As previous reviews on this topic have been published, a significant number of tools have been further developed and evaluated. Furthermore, as generative AI increasingly automates evidence synthesis, understanding how it is studied and applied is crucial, given both its benefits and risks. Objective: This review aimed to map the current landscape of evaluated AI tools used to automate evidence synthesis. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews, we searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science in February 2025 and conducted a gray literature search in April 2025. We included articles published in any language from January 2021 onward. Two reviewers independently screened citations using Rayyan, and data were extracted based on study design and key AI-related technical features. Results: We identified 7841 unique citations through database searches and 19 records through gray literature searching. A total of 222 articles were included in the review. We identified 65 AI tools and 25 open-source models or machine learning (ML) algorithms that automate parts of or the whole evidence synthesis pathway. A total of 54.1% (n=120) of the studies were published in 2024, reflecting a trend toward researching general-purpose large language models (LLMs) for evidence synthesis automation. The most popular tool studied was generative pretrained transformer models, including its conversational interface ChatGPT (n=70, 31.5%). Moreover, 31.1% (n=69) studied tools automated by traditional ML algorithms. No studies compared traditional ML tools to LLM-based tools. In addition, 61.7% (n=137) and 26.1% (n=58) studied AI-assisted automation of title and abstract screening and data extraction, respectively, the 2 most intensive stages and, therefore, amenable to automation. Technical performance outcomes were the most frequently reported, with only 4.1% (n=9) of studies reporting time- or workload-specific outcomes. Few studies pragmatically evaluated AI tools in real-world evidence synthesis settings. Conclusions: This review comprehensively captures the broad, evolving suite of AI automation tools available to support evidence synthesis, leveraged by increasingly complex AI approaches that range from traditional ML to LLMs. The notable shift toward studying general-purpose generative AI tools reflects how these technologies are actively transforming evidence synthesis practice. The lack of studies in our review comparing different AI approaches for specific automation stages or evaluating their effectiveness pragmatically represents a significant research gap. Optimal tool selection will likely depend on the review topic and methodology and researcher priorities. While they offer potential for reducing workload, ongoing evaluation to mitigate AI bias and to ensure the integrity of reviews is essential for safeguarding evidence-based decision-making.

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