- Framework of problems / Rigourous
- Flawed risk of bias undertaken
- How do systematic reviews incorporate risk of bias assessments into the synthesis of evidence? A methodological study
Ref ID | 147 |
First Author | S. V. Katikireddi |
Journal | J EPIDEMIOL COMMUNITY HEALTH |
Year Of Publishing | 2015 |
URL | https://jech.bmj.com/content/jech/69/2/189.full.pdf |
Keywords |
Cochrane Risk of bias General medical |
Problem(s) |
Meta-analyses and forest plots presented without considering risk of bias / quality Flawed risk of bias undertaken Risk of bias not incorporated into conclusions of review |
Number of systematic reviews included | 59 |
Summary of Findings | Almost half of the 59 included systematic reviews reported critical appraisal in a manner that did not allow readers to determine which studies included in a review were most robust. Risk of bias assessments were not incorporated into synthesis in one-third (20) of the SRs, with their consideration more likely when reviews focused on randomised controlled trials. Common methods for incorporating critical appraisals into the synthesis process were sensitivity analysis, narrative discussion and exclusion of studies at high risk of bias. Nearly half of the reviews which investigated multiple outcomes and carried out study-level risk of bias summaries did not consider the potential for risk of bias to vary across outcomes. |
Did the article find that the problem(s) led to qualitative changes in interpretation of the results? | Not Applicable |
Are the methods of the article described in enough detail to replicate the study? | No |