L11 - systematic reviews and meta-analyses Flashcards
What are the advantages of SRs and MAs?
Larger sample size, Generation of a pooled overall risk estimate, reliable and precise estimate of effect, exploration of heterogeneity, identification of publication bias, identify areas of further study, transparency
What would you consider in a critical appraisal of SR?
Defined question using PICOS, literature search, assessment of study quality, exploration of heterogeneity, evidence credibility explored, accurate reporting according to guidelines
What would you consider in a critical appraisal of an MA?
Exploration of heterogeneity, publication bias, appropriateness of pooling, appropriate use of model to pool effect estimates, consistency of results across sub-groups
What are the different types of model used to pool effect estimates?
fixed versus random effects
How would you explore reasons for study heterogeneity?
Meta-regression, sensitivity analysis
How would you identify heterogeneity?
Chi2, I2, Tau2
How would you assess publication bias?
Funnel plot, symmetry = no publication bias
What would a Galbraith/radial plot be used for?
Exploring heterogeneity
What is a forest plot?
Most common way of summarising the results (i.e. effect estimates) of an MA
Why are SRs and MAs needed?
Provide more generalizable conclusions, provide a comprehensive summary of all current info on a topic, keep up with large volume of evidence, better power to answer conclusions, effects of bias reduced
What is a systematic review?
A review of a clearly formulated question that uses systematic and explicit methods to identify, select and critically appraise relevant research and to collect and analyse data from the studies that are included in the review
What are guidelines for SRs and MAs?
Found in the PRISMA statement and Cochrane
