- Framework of problems / Objective
- Inflexible methods to complex questions
- Cluster Randomised Trials in Cochrane Reviews: Evaluation of Methodological and Reporting Practice
| Ref ID | 708 |
| First Author | M. Richardson |
| Journal | PLOS ONE |
| Year Of Publishing | 2016 |
| URL | https://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0151818 |
| Keywords |
Cochrane Error Risk of bias General medical |
| Problem(s) |
Flawed risk of bias undertaken Inflexible methods to complex questions Errors in effect estimate calculations or data synthesis |
| Number of systematic reviews included | 50 |
| Summary of Findings | Only 56% reviews identified that cluster-RCTs were eligible for inclusion in the eligibility criteria. For reporting cluster-RCTs, only 24% reviews reported the method of cluster adjustment. For assessing risk of bias, only one review assessed all five cluster-RCT-specific risk-of bias criteria. For analysing cluster-RCTs, of the 27 reviews that presented unadjusted data, only 33% provided a warning that confidence intervals may be artificially narrow. Of the 34 reviews that reported data from unadjusted cluster-RCTs, only 38% excluded the unadjusted results from the meta-analyses. |
| 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? | Yes |