Methodology in conducting a systematic review of systematic reviews of healthcare interventions

Methodology in conducting a systematic review of systematic reviews of healthcare interventions

2011 | Valerie Smith, Declan Devane, Cecily M Begley, Mike Clarke
The article discusses the methodology for conducting a systematic review of systematic reviews (SRs) in healthcare interventions. The background highlights the overwhelming number of studies and reviews available, making it challenging for decision-makers to identify and consider relevant evidence. The authors emphasize the need for SRs of SRs to compare and contrast findings from multiple reviews, providing clinical decision-makers with comprehensive and reliable evidence. The methods section outlines the process of identifying and appraising published and unpublished SRs, including the use of systematic search strategies, review selection criteria, quality assessment, and presentation of results. Key aspects such as sources, study selection, quality assessment, and implications for practice and research are discussed in detail. The results section addresses methodological challenges and possible solutions, such as the extent of searching, description of study selection, assessment of publication bias, and heterogeneity. The authors also provide examples of summary tables and figures to enhance the clarity and structure of the results. The conclusion emphasizes the usefulness of conducting a systematic review of SRs to summarize and compare evidence from multiple reviews, aiding clinicians in making evidence-based decisions. The methods described aim to guide healthcare practitioners in conducting such reviews effectively.The article discusses the methodology for conducting a systematic review of systematic reviews (SRs) in healthcare interventions. The background highlights the overwhelming number of studies and reviews available, making it challenging for decision-makers to identify and consider relevant evidence. The authors emphasize the need for SRs of SRs to compare and contrast findings from multiple reviews, providing clinical decision-makers with comprehensive and reliable evidence. The methods section outlines the process of identifying and appraising published and unpublished SRs, including the use of systematic search strategies, review selection criteria, quality assessment, and presentation of results. Key aspects such as sources, study selection, quality assessment, and implications for practice and research are discussed in detail. The results section addresses methodological challenges and possible solutions, such as the extent of searching, description of study selection, assessment of publication bias, and heterogeneity. The authors also provide examples of summary tables and figures to enhance the clarity and structure of the results. The conclusion emphasizes the usefulness of conducting a systematic review of SRs to summarize and compare evidence from multiple reviews, aiding clinicians in making evidence-based decisions. The methods described aim to guide healthcare practitioners in conducting such reviews effectively.
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