systematic reviews reviewed
DESCRIPTION
A review of the state of the art of systematic reviews. Derived from the following sources: Koricheva J, Gurevitch J, Mengersen K (2013) Handbook of meta-analysis in ecology and evolution. Princeton & Oxford: Princeton University Press. http://press.princeton.edu/titles/10045.html http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/view/0/AboutCochraneSystematicReviews.html http://www.prisma-statement.org/statement.htm PLOSONE systematic reviews.TRANSCRIPT
systematic reviews
http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/view/0/AboutCochraneSystematicReviews.html
A systematic review attempts to identify, appraise and synthesize all the empirical evidence that
meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a given research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit methods aimed at minimizing bias, in order to produce more reliable
findings that can be used to inform decision making.
PLOSONE
http://www.plosone.org/static/guidelines#systematic
PLOSONE
PLOSONE
rate
where
citations
diversity or n of subjects
complexity within studies
http://www.prisma-statement.org/statement.htm
PRISMA
A systematic review is a review of a clearly formulated question that uses systematic and
explicit methods to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research, and to collect and
analyze data from the studies that are included in the review. Statistical methods (meta-
analysis) may or may not be used to analyze and summarize the results of the included studies. Meta-analysis refers to the use of
statistical techniques in a systematic review to integrate the results of included studies.
PRISMA
transparency & replicability
From: Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, The PRISMA Group (2009). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement. PLoS Med 6(6): e1000097. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed1000097
For more information, visit www.prisma-statement.org.
PRISMA 2009 Flow Diagram
Records identified through database searching
(n = 380)
Scr
eeni
ng
Incl
uded
E
ligib
ility
Id
entif
icat
ion
Additional records identified through other sources
(n = 40)
Records after duplicates removed (n = 301 )
Records screened (n = 301 )
Records excluded (n = 153 )
Full-text articles assessed for eligibility
(n = 301 )
Full-text articles excluded, with reasons
(n = 153 )
Studies included in qualitative synthesis
(n = 148 )
Studies included in quantitative synthesis
(meta-analysis) (n = NA )
PRISMA 2009 Checklist
Section/topic # Checklist item Reported on page #
TITLE Title 1 Identify the report as a systematic review, meta-analysis, or both. 1 ABSTRACT Structured summary 2 Provide a structured summary including, as applicable: background; objectives; data sources; study eligibility criteria,
participants, and interventions; study appraisal and synthesis methods; results; limitations; conclusions and implications of key findings; systematic review registration number.
1
INTRODUCTION Rationale 3 Describe the rationale for the review in the context of what is already known. 2 – 4 Objectives 4 Provide an explicit statement of questions being addressed with reference to participants, interventions, comparisons,
outcomes, and study design (PICOS). 5 – 6
METHODS Protocol and registration 5 Indicate if a review protocol exists, if and where it can be accessed (e.g., Web address), and, if available, provide
registration information including registration number. NA
Eligibility criteria 6 Specify study characteristics (e.g., PICOS, length of follow-up) and report characteristics (e.g., years considered, language, publication status) used as criteria for eligibility, giving rationale.
6
Information sources 7 Describe all information sources (e.g., databases with dates of coverage, contact with study authors to identify additional studies) in the search and date last searched.
5 – 6
Search 8 Present full electronic search strategy for at least one database, including any limits used, such that it could be repeated.
5
Study selection 9 State the process for selecting studies (i.e., screening, eligibility, included in systematic review, and, if applicable, included in the meta-analysis).
5
Data collection process 10 Describe method of data extraction from reports (e.g., piloted forms, independently, in duplicate) and any processes for obtaining and confirming data from investigators.
5
Data items 11 List and define all variables for which data were sought (e.g., PICOS, funding sources) and any assumptions and simplifications made.
5 – 6
Risk of bias in individual studies
12 Describe methods used for assessing risk of bias of individual studies (including specification of whether this was done at the study or outcome level), and how this information is to be used in any data synthesis.
5
Summary measures 13 State the principal summary measures (e.g., risk ratio, difference in means). 6 Synthesis of results 14 Describe the methods of handling data and combining results of studies, if done, including measures of consistency
(e.g., I2) for each meta-analysis. 6
Page 1 of 2
initial scoping
variety of terms multiple databases
develop a search strategy
wildcards
do not truncate
avoid ambiguity
common names
define inclusion criteria
document process & double-check
gaps
gaps
gaps
resources
ch4: Koricheva J, Gurevitch J, Mengersen K (2013) Handbook of meta-analysis in ecology and evolution. Princeton &
Oxford: Princeton University Press.