Systematic reviews Flashcards
(18 cards)
Where do systematic reviews sit in the hierarchy of evidence?
Very top
Define systematic reviews.
In relation to a specific question, the auditable, reproducible and explicit search, selection, appraisal, and synthesis of all available best evidence
Outline the 7 methodological steps of a systematic review.
- Specify the research question
- Develop a protocol
- Search the literature
- Screen results for inclusion
- Appraisal
- Data extraction
- Synthesis
For systematic reviews, which framework should be used when specifying a research question?
P - population
I - intervention
C - comparator
O - outcomes
S - study designs
In systematic reviews, where should a protocol be registered?
PROSPERO
In systematic reviews, screening results for inclusion should be recorded where?
PRISMA flowchart
What is the graphical representation of the results of a meta-analysis called?
Forest plot
In a forest plot, what does the square size represent?
Sample size
In a forest plot, what is meant by heterogeneity?
Differences between the studies
In a forest plot, what does the diamond represent?
Pooled effect
In a forest plot, what are the 3 types of heterogeneity?
Clinical heterogeneity
Methodological heterogeneity
Statistical heterogeneity
In a forest plot, what result value is moderate heterogeneity?
> 30%
In a forest plot, what result value is substantial heterogeneity?
> 50%
Systematic reviews are susceptible to which 2 kinds of bias?
Selection bias
Publication bias
Which tool can be used in appraisals when conducting systematic reviews?
Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP)
In systematic reviews, what are the 2 options for the synthesis stage?
Narrative synthesis
Meta-analysis
In a forest plot, what do the horizontal lines represent?
95% confidence intervals
In forest plots, statistical heterogenity is comprised of which 2 factors?
Clinical heterogenity
Methodological heterogenity
