Meta Analysis and Bias Flashcards
What is a meta-analysis?
A meta-analysis is a statistical technique that combines the results of multiple scientific studies to derive a more precise estimate of the effect.
What is a narrative review and what are its characteristics?
A narrative review provides a descriptive summary of the literature on a topic, based on the author’s expertise and selection of studies. It lacks systematic search methods and is more susceptible to bias.
How does a systematic review differ from a narrative review?
A systematic review summarizes the results of available studies that meet pre-defined criteria using systematic and explicit methods to collect, critically appraise, and synthesize data. It minimizes bias and provides reliable findings.
What are Cochrane reviews and their significance?
Cochrane reviews are systematic reviews of primary research in human health care and policy, renowned for their rigorous standards, systematic methodology, and emphasis on minimizing bias
What is the difference between primary and secondary research?
Primary research involves original data collection or firsthand evidence, while secondary research involves the summary, collation, and/or synthesis of existing research, such as in systematic reviews or meta-analyses.
What is the GRADE system used in systematic reviews?
The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) system is a framework used to rate the quality of evidence in systematic reviews and to grade the strength of recommendations in guidelines.
How is risk of bias assessed in systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Risk of bias in studies is assessed using tools that evaluate the methodological quality of the studies included in a systematic review or meta-analysis, checking for selection, performance, detection, attrition, and reporting biases.
What is a scoping review and its purpose?
A scoping review maps the key concepts underpinning a research area and the main sources and types of evidence available. It addresses broader topics where many different study designs might be applicable.
What is publication bias and its impact on systematic reviews?
Publication bias occurs when the outcomes of research influence the likelihood of publication. It can skew the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses toward more positive or significant results
What is an umbrella review?
An umbrella review is a review of existing meta-analyses and systematic reviews, providing the highest level of evidence on a topic by synthesizing data from multiple reviews.
How is the quality of a meta-analysis assessed?
The quality of a meta-analysis is assessed by evaluating the thoroughness of the literature search, the selection and exclusion criteria, and the methods used to assess study bias and data synthesis.
What is the primary purpose of conducting a meta-analysis?
The primary purpose of a meta-analysis is to summarize the best evidence available that answers a specific research question through exhaustive literature search and data synthesis.
What does the meta-analysis reveal about using cannabis for chronic neuropathic pain?
The meta-analysis shows that while cannabis-based medicines might offer some pain relief for chronic neuropathic pain, the quality of evidence is often low and the clinical relevance is uncertain.
What role do Cochrane reviews play in meta-analyses?
Cochrane reviews provide high-quality, systematic assessments of primary research in human health care and health policy, and are internationally recognized as the highest standard in evidence-based health care.
How do cannabis-based medicines compare to placebo for pain relief in neuropathic pain according to recent meta-analyses?
Cannabis-based medicines showed better outcomes than placebo in some measures of pain relief, but the effects were generally modest and the evidence quality varied from low to moderate.
