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Are you curious about emerging AI tools for evidence synthesis and how they might fit into public health practice? Amid growing interest and considerable hype, questions remain about how reliable these tools are and whether they are ready for real-world use. This PHO Rounds provides an overview of the evolving landscape of AI tools designed to support evidence synthesis, with a focus on where they can add value and where important limitations remain. We will highlight promising, lower-risk use cases alongside key methodological challenges related to validity, reproducibility, and evaluation. The session also considers these tools through a public health lens, including implications for equity, bias, environmental impact, and high-stakes decision-making. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how to approach these tools cautiously and thoughtfully in their own practice.

Intended Audience: 
Public health researchers, librarians, and public health professionals interested in knowledge synthesis and in evidence-based practice.

By the end of this event, participants will be able to:

• Describe the current landscape of AI tools for evidence synthesis, including integration across different stages of the review process, the varying degrees of automation they offer, and their overall maturity.
• Identify potential benefits, limitations, and methodological challenges associated with using AI tools in evidence synthesis, especially in relation to reproducibility, and evaluation.
• Discuss the implications of AI tool use in evidence synthesis through a public health lens, including concerns about bias, equity, environmental impact, and the high stakes of decisions that affect population health.

Allison McArthur, MISt is the Knowledge Synthesis Librarian and W.P. Scott Chair in Librarianship at York University. From 2011 to June 2026, she was a Library Information Specialist at Public Health Ontario (PHO) where she supported PHO scientists in conducting all types of synthesis research, and she has been involved in many systematic reviews as a co-author and contributor. She has completed Comprehensive Systematic Review Training Certification from the Joanna Briggs Institute, and has delivered review methods consultation and instruction to students, librarians, and researchers across Ontario.

Oriane Edwards, MI is a recent graduate of the Master of Information program at the University of Toronto. During a placement at Public Health Ontario, she co-developed a guide on using AI tools for evidence synthesis. She also holds an MA in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies from the University of British Columbia (Okanagan) and an Honours BA from the University of Toronto. Oriane is a library intern at the University of Toronto’s Dental Library. Her interests include evidence synthesis, open access publishing, and AI in the health sciences. She was the 2025 OCULA Council Lightning Strikes representative.

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Public Health Ontario Grand Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.

PHO Grand Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact events@oahpp.ca

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or events@oahpp.ca.