Critical Thinking - Lecture Thirty-One

Question 1

Review

Answer 1

Collating information

Question 2

Main types of reviews

Answer 2

Narrative

Systematic

Question 3

Systematic review

Answer 3

Research methodology

Question 4

What types of questions can systematic reviews answer?

Answer 4

Effectiveness
Prognosis
Diagnostic test accuracy
Prevalence and incidence
Patient experiences

Question 5

Why are systematic reviews conducted?

Answer 5

Synthesise results

Reduce bias

Question 6

How are systematic reviews collated?

Answer 6

Formulation of a clear question
Write protocol for the review
Search for relevant studies
Collect data from studies
Assessment of included studies 
Synthesis of findings
Interpretation of results

Question 7

Clear question

Answer 7

Population
Intervention
Comparative
Outcome of interest

Question 8

Protocol

Answer 8

Question
Relevance
Objectives
Search strategy
Selection criteria 
Eligibility screen 
Risk of bias
Data extraction
Data synthesis

Question 9

Comprehensive searching

Answer 9

Electronic searching
Hand searching
Emailing experts

Question 10

The problem of missing data

Answer 10

Publication bias

Langauge bias

Question 11

Publication bias

Answer 11

Unflattering data
Negative result
Selective acceptance

Question 12

Screening and data extraction

Answer 12

Decide whether the studies you found are in or out of the review

Question 13

Data synthesis using meta-analysis

Answer 13

Meta-analysis is done to to determine the average or common effect and our confidence estimate of effect

Question 14

Interpretation

Answer 14

Principal findings
Limitations to evidences
Implications