Designing Epidemiological Studies

Question 1

Is meta-analysis a quantatative or qualitative study design? Why?

Answer 1

Quantatative - It pools statistical findings from similar studies and can report a pooled estimate of association/effect.

Question 2

What is a narrative review?

Answer 2

A review that brings together published literature into a single article.

Question 3

Give two strengths of a narrative review

Answer 3

• Easier and faster to write so may be more up to date
• Useful when looking at areas with limited published research
• Useful where work is from different disciplines

Question 4

Give two weaknesses of a narrative review

Answer 4

• Author is free to select works that may support their opinion
• No search is specified so evidence may be omitted by chance

Question 5

Which type of literature review often provides the base for meta-analysis?

Answer 5

Systematic review

Question 6

Give two strengths for systematic review

Answer 6

• Aims to collate all evidence
• Implements highly specified protocol so results are reproducible
• Includes evidence based on pre-specified criteria

Question 7

Give two weaknesses for a systematic review

Answer 7

• Can take many months to publish (18-24 months)
• Only as good as the method employed
• Only as good as the evidence it incorporates
• Quickly out of date

Question 8

How are systematic reviews created?

Answer 8

1. Research question
2. Search structure
3. Indices
4. Screening/inclusion
5. Reporting
6. Writing
7. Submitting, revising and publishing

Question 9

What is an indice? Give an example

Answer 9

Websites/platforms where articles are sourced. Examples include Medline, EMBASE

Question 10

What is a registry and what is their purpose?

Answer 10

Registration of research yet to be completed or published. Purpose is to avoid duplication or omission of data.

Question 11

What is the difference between meta-analysis and systematic review?

Answer 11

Same principles as each other but a meta-analysis uses numbers instead of words.

Meta-analysis is a quantatative, formal, epidemiological study design . Systematic review is a qualatative study design.

Question 12

Meta-analysis findings are displayed in which way?

Answer 12

Forest plot

Question 13

In a Forest plot, the vertical line at 1 is known as what?

Answer 13

Line of no effect

Question 14

What do the whiskers show on a Forest plot?

Answer 14

Level of confidence or certainty

Question 15

If a square is to the left of the line of no effect what effect does its variable have?

Answer 15

Negative effect

Question 16

If the diamond on a Forest plot crosses the line of no effect, confidence is said to be ________
and the overall effect _________ be ascribed to chance

Answer 16

(1) low

(2) cannot

Question 17

What does the diamond on a Forest plot symbolise? What do its left and right angles mean?

Answer 17

Diamond = Pooled estimate
Angles = Level of certainty

Question 18

What is heterogeneity?

Answer 18

Difference between studies included in meta-analysis.

Question 19

In which review style is heterogeneity used?

Answer 19

Meta-analysis

Question 20

What term describes when studies with positive findings are more likely to be submitted for publication and published by editors?

Answer 20

Publication bias

Question 21

Which plot type can be used to recognise Publication Bias?

Answer 21

Funnel plot