Methodological review showed correct absolute effect size estimates for time-to-event outcomes in less than one-third of cancer-related systematic reviews

Ref ID 473
First Author N. Skoetz
Journal JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
Year Of Publishing 2019
URL https://www.jclinepi.com/article/S0895-4356(18)30530-4/fulltext
Keywords Cochrane
Statistical
Error
Oncology
Problem(s) Errors in effect estimate calculations or data synthesis
Weaknesses identified in some Cochrane reviews
Number of systematic reviews included 96
Summary of Findings In 29% of included Cochrane reviews, absolute effects in the summary of findings tables were calculated in a correct manner. In 24%, absolute effects had been correctly calculated (e.g., overall survival), but labelled incorrectly in summary of findings tables (e.g., death). 13% of reviews provided incorrect absolute effects in summary of findings tables. For 7%, it was unclear if absolute effects were correctly calculated. In 27% reviews, no absolute effects based on the given hazard ratio were calculated.
Did the article find that the problem(s) led to qualitative changes in interpretation of the results? Yes
Are the methods of the article described in enough detail to replicate the study? Yes