Module 7

Question 1

what is a systematic review?

Answer 1

type of research methodology that synthesizes primary research studies

Question 2

characteristics of systematic review (7)

Answer 2

1. clinical question
2. inclusion and exclusion criteria
3. searched of published/unpublished literature
4. appraisal of quality of studies
5. analysis of the data
6. qualitative synthesis of findings
7. transparent methodology reporting

Question 3

what is a meta-analysis?

Answer 3

included in some systematic reviews
mathematically pools data from similar studies
hallmark is a forest plot

Question 4

what is heterogenity?

Answer 4

variability in characteristics b/w studies in a systematic review

Question 5

what statistical test can test for heterogenity?

Answer 5

I squared test
0-100
low is better, means more homogenous
worry about anything over 50

Question 6

interpret a tree plot

Answer 6

vertical line in center = line of no effect
location of box = point estimate
size of box = weight of study
horizontal line = CI
diamond = pooled estimate (magnitude)
line in diamond = pooled CI (precision)

-if horizontal line touches line of no effect, then there is no statistically significant difference
-left of line favors intervention
-right of line favors control

Question 7

what is the eyeball test

Answer 7

if you can draw a vertical line that touches all the confidence intervals, you have homogeneity

Question 8

Therapy specific questions

Answer 8

Were all clinically important outcomes considered?
Are treatment benefits worth the harms / costs associated?

Question 9

Harm-specific questions

Answer 9

Is the intervention (harmful thing/ helpful thing/ etc.) similar to what may occur with my patient?

Question 10

3 questions to ask when applying results of a study

Answer 10

1. are the study patients similar to my patients?
2. was follow up long enough?
3. can I use the results to manage patients in my practice?