- Framework of problems / Rigourous
- Inadequate analysis of heterogeneity
- Striking Errors in the Methodology, Execution, and Conclusions of the Cochrane Library Review of Spinal Cord Stimulation for Low Back Pain by Traeger et al
Ref ID | 865 |
First Author | S. Durbhakula |
Journal | PAIN MEDICINE |
Year Of Publishing | 2023 |
URL | https://academic.oup.com/painmedicine/article/24/8/923/7126436 |
Keywords |
Cochrane Missing data Pain Expertise Error Equity Heterogeneity Team Searching |
Problem(s) |
Inadequate analysis of heterogeneity Errors or omissions in search strategy Overly stringent inclusion criteria affecting external validity Lack of clinical expert/ stakeholder/ user perspective Incorrect interpretation or statistical inference error from meta-analysis Financial conflicts of interest of review authors Weaknesses identified in some Cochrane reviews |
Number of systematic reviews included | 1 |
Summary of Findings | From a letter highlighting methodological concerns in a Cochrane review on spinal cord stimulation for low back pain published in 2023. The letter raised concerns including the design of the search strategies which were did not ensure a comprehensive selection of studies; the interpretation and synthesis of studies based on their inclusion/exclusion criteria; a lack of diversification of authorship to include contributions from individuals with clinical and content expertise in neuromodulation for CLBP; incorrect inferences drawn from meta-analyses; and potential unmanaged conflicts of interests of review authors. |
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? |