systematic reviews and meta-analysis

Question 1

when are systemic reviews used

Answer 1

when you want to choose a treatment or a test for your pt you want to be in possession of old info about pt so you can discuss best option

Question 2

why are systemic reviews good

Answer 2

more objective and requires you to form an objective opinion on the subject

Question 3

search strategies for systemic reviews

Answer 3

participants
interventions
control
outcomes
study design

Question 4

cons of literature reviews

Answer 4

could do a standard review
could cherry pick articles depending on what backs up argument
can exclude articles that dont support arguement
not looking at the whole data set as with systematic reviews

Question 5

what is a meta-analysis

Answer 5

summarise data and present them in a statistical way
means its easier to reach a conclusion

Question 6

when are meta-analyses used

Answer 6

how to know the treatment hasnt already been proved useless
see if trials are of high quality
see if you want to spend time pursuing the treatment