Review Articles Flashcards
What are review articles?
Body of text which aims to review critical points of current knowledge
Name 2 types of review articles
Standard or systemic
What is a standard review?
Examines results of small part of research evidence
Describe 2 disadvantages of standard reviews
- Bias
- Takes author’s claims at face value
What is a summary statistic?
Single statistic used to represent effect found in each study
Name 3 components of good review articles
- Minimise bias
- Quality review
- As much info used as possible
Name 4 steps of assessing a review article
- Is question focused?
- Is information relevant?
- Quality of the studies?
- How presented?
Describe Cochrane
International NPO for systemic reviews in over 130 countries
What is meta-analysis?
Stat combination of results from 2+ separate studies
Name 3 advantages of meta-analysis
- Precise
- Settle controversies
- Answers unasked questions
Name 2 disadvantages of meta-analysis
- Out of date quickly
- More time and expense
Name 4 types of samples where meta-analysis is appropriate
- 2+ studies
- No difference in study characteristics
- Outcomes measured similarly
- Homogenous studies
What is a systemic review?
Review of clearly formulated question using systemic methods to identify, select and appraise relevant research and include in one review
Describe 5 reasons to use a systemic review
- High volume literature
- Need for health decision making,
- Information manageable
- Up to date summary of information
- Avoid bias
