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Guo Q, Jiang G, Zhao Q, Long Y, Feng K, Gu X, Xu Y, Li Z, Huang J, Du L. Rapid review: A review of methods and recommendations based on current evidence. J Evid Based Med 2024; 17:434-453. [PMID: 38512942 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Rapid review (RR) could accelerate the traditional systematic review (SR) process by simplifying or omitting steps using various shortcuts. With the increasing popularity of RR, numerous shortcuts had emerged, but there was no consensus on how to choose the most appropriate ones. This study conducted a literature search in PubMed from inception to December 21, 2023, using terms such as "rapid review" "rapid assessment" "rapid systematic review" and "rapid evaluation". We also scanned the reference lists and performed citation tracking of included impact studies to obtain more included studies. We conducted a narrative synthesis of all RR approaches, shortcuts and studies assessing their effectiveness at each stage of RRs. Based on the current evidence, we provided recommendations on utilizing certain shortcuts in RRs. Ultimately, we identified 185 studies focusing on summarizing RR approaches and shortcuts, or evaluating their impact. There was relatively sufficient evidence to support the use of the following shortcuts in RRs: limiting studies to those published in English-language; conducting abbreviated database searches (e.g., only searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL); omitting retrieval of grey literature; restricting the search timeframe to the recent 20 years for medical intervention and the recent 15 years for reviewing diagnostic test accuracy; conducting a single screening by an experienced screener. To some extent, the above shortcuts were also applicable to SRs. This study provided a reference for future RR researchers in selecting shortcuts, and it also presented a potential research topic for methodologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Guo
- Innovation Institute for Integration of Medicine and Engineering, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
- West China Medical Publishers, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Guiyu Jiang
- West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Qingwen Zhao
- West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Youlin Long
- Innovation Institute for Integration of Medicine and Engineering, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Kun Feng
- Innovation Institute for Integration of Medicine and Engineering, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Xianlin Gu
- Innovation Institute for Integration of Medicine and Engineering, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Yihan Xu
- Innovation Institute for Integration of Medicine and Engineering, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
- Center for education of medical humanities, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Zhengchi Li
- Center for education of medical humanities, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Jin Huang
- Innovation Institute for Integration of Medicine and Engineering, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Liang Du
- Innovation Institute for Integration of Medicine and Engineering, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
- West China Medical Publishers, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
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2
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Yun Q, Lin M, Jia Y, Wang Y, Zhang J, Sha F, Yang Z, Tang J. Prevalence of and factors associated with potentially redundant randomized controlled trials: a cross-sectional study. J Clin Epidemiol 2024; 167:111265. [PMID: 38266740 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the prevalence of meta-analyses containing potentially redundant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the factors associated with the presence of redundancy. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING This is a cross-sectional study, based on a random sample of references (n = 4500) that were published during 2020 and 2021, indexed in PubMed, Embase, or the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and retrieved through comprehensive searches using terms about systematic reviews and meta-analysis. From each systematic review, one meta-analysis fulfilling all the following criteria, if available, was included in this study: (1) assessing the effect of the intervention on a primary outcome of the systematic review; (2) combining RCTs only. The primary outcome was prevalence of meta-analyses containing potentially redundant RCTs. Potentially redundant RCTs referred to the trials that started 1 year after the overall effect estimate from cumulative meta-analysis had been statistically robust, as determined by trial sequential analysis when appropriate. The number of potentially redundant trials (if any) in each eligible meta-analysis and the number of participants involved in those trials were documented and contrasted across groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors associated with presence of potential redundancy. RESULTS Of the 448 eligible meta-analyses, 57 (12.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.8-16.2%) contained potentially redundant RCTs. When limited to the 333 low-heterogeneity meta-analyses, the prevalence was 17.1% (95% CI 13.5-21.5%). The total number of potentially redundant RCTs was 295 (involving 85,385 participants), accounting for 38.5% of the RCTs (and 30.3% of the participants) included in the 57 meta-analyses. In these meta-analyses, the median number of potentially redundant RCTs and the participants involved were 2 (range: 1-50) and 352 (range: 17-26997), respectively. Potentially redundant RCTs were more likely to be present in the meta-analyses evaluating pharmaceutical intervention (odds ratio [OR] 2.31, 95% CI 1.16-4.49), assessing efficacy outcomes (OR 7.25, 95% CI 0.85-61.87), containing more than 5 RCTs (OR 6.47, 95% CI 3.22-12.99), or with the earliest RCT reporting statistically significant effect estimate (OR 5.30, 95% CI 2.64-10.64). CONCLUSION This study found that 12.7% to 17.1% of recently published meta-analyses contained potentially redundant RCTs, highlighting the importance of conducting or examining systematic reviews of existing evidence to justify new RCTs. More importantly, the study identified some scenarios in which redundancy was more likely to occur and thus has implications for trialists, funding agencies, ethics committees, and journal editors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingping Yun
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Minqing Lin
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuanxi Jia
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayue Zhang
- Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Feng Sha
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Zuyao Yang
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Jinling Tang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China; JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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3
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Garritty C, Hamel C, Trivella M, Gartlehner G, Nussbaumer-Streit B, Devane D, Kamel C, Griebler U, King VJ. Updated recommendations for the Cochrane rapid review methods guidance for rapid reviews of effectiveness. BMJ 2024; 384:e076335. [PMID: 38320771 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle Garritty
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
- Global Health and Guidelines Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Candyce Hamel
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
- Canadian Association of Radiologists, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marialena Trivella
- Cochrane Austria, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, Austria
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gerald Gartlehner
- Cochrane Austria, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, Austria
- Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Nussbaumer-Streit
- Cochrane Austria, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Declan Devane
- Cochrane Ireland and Evidence Synthesis Ireland, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Chris Kamel
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ursula Griebler
- Cochrane Austria, Department for Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Valerie J King
- Center for Evidence-based Policy, Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
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Harper M, Rytwinski T, Cooke SJ. Patterns and Pitfalls of Short-cuts Used in Environmental Management Rapid Reviews. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:457-469. [PMID: 37922103 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01901-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental managers and policy-makers need reliable evidence to make effective decisions. Systematic reviews are one way to provide this information but are time-consuming and may not meet the needs of decision-makers when faced with rapidly changing management requirements or transient policy-windows. Rapid reviews are one type of knowledge synthesis that follow simplified or truncated methods compared to systematic reviews. Rapid reviews on environmentally-relevant topics are growing in prevalence, but it is unclear if rapid reviews use similar short-cuts or follow available guidelines. In this methodological review, we assess 26 rapid reviews published between 2002 and 2023. Numerous rapid review short-cuts and approaches were identified, with few consistencies among studies. Short-cuts were present in all stages of the review process, with some of the most common short-cuts including not developing an a priori review protocol, not including stakeholder involvement, or not conducting critical appraisal of study validity. Poor quality in reporting of methods was observed. Fewer than half of assessed rapid reviews reported using available guidelines when developing their methods. Future rapid reviews should aim for improved reporting and adherence to published guidelines to help increase the useability and evidence-user confidence. This will also enable readers to understand where short-cuts were made and their potential consequences for the conclusions of the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan Harper
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Trina Rytwinski
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Canadian Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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5
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Haby MM, Barreto JOM, Kim JYH, Peiris S, Mansilla C, Torres M, Guerrero-Magaña DE, Reveiz L. What are the best methods for rapid reviews of the research evidence? A systematic review of reviews and primary studies. Res Synth Methods 2024; 15:2-20. [PMID: 37696668 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Rapid review methodology aims to facilitate faster conduct of systematic reviews to meet the needs of the decision-maker, while also maintaining quality and credibility. This systematic review aimed to determine the impact of different methodological shortcuts for undertaking rapid reviews on the risk of bias (RoB) of the results of the review. Review stages for which reviews and primary studies were sought included the preparation of a protocol, question formulation, inclusion criteria, searching, selection, data extraction, RoB assessment, synthesis, and reporting. We searched 11 electronic databases in April 2022, and conducted some supplementary searching. Reviewers worked in pairs to screen, select, extract data, and assess the RoB of included reviews and studies. We included 15 systematic reviews, 7 scoping reviews, and 65 primary studies. We found that several commonly used shortcuts in rapid reviews are likely to increase the RoB in the results. These include restrictions based on publication date, use of a single electronic database as a source of studies, and use of a single reviewer for screening titles and abstracts, selecting studies based on the full-text, and for extracting data. Authors of rapid reviews should be transparent in reporting their use of these shortcuts and acknowledge the possibility of them causing bias in the results. This review also highlights shortcuts that can save time without increasing the risk of bias. Further research is needed for both systematic and rapid reviews on faster methods for accurate data extraction and RoB assessment, and on development of more precise search strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Haby
- Science and Knowledge Unit, Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jenny Yeon Hee Kim
- Science and Knowledge Unit, Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sasha Peiris
- Science and Knowledge Unit, Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Cristián Mansilla
- McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marcela Torres
- Science and Knowledge Unit, Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Diego Emmanuel Guerrero-Magaña
- Doctoral Program in Chemical and Biological Sciences and Health, Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico
| | - Ludovic Reveiz
- Science and Knowledge Unit, Evidence and Intelligence for Action in Health Department, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
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Klerings I, Robalino S, Booth A, Escobar-Liquitay CM, Sommer I, Gartlehner G, Devane D, Waffenschmidt S. Rapid reviews methods series: Guidance on literature search. BMJ Evid Based Med 2023; 28:412-417. [PMID: 37076268 PMCID: PMC10715472 DOI: 10.1136/bmjebm-2022-112079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
This paper is part of a series of methodological guidance from the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group. Rapid reviews (RR) use modified systematic review methods to accelerate the review process while maintaining systematic, transparent and reproducible methods. In this paper, we address considerations for RR searches. We cover the main areas relevant to the search process: preparation and planning, information sources and search methods, search strategy development, quality assurance, reporting, and record management. Two options exist for abbreviating the search process: (1) reducing time spent on conducting searches and (2) reducing the size of the search result. Because screening search results is usually more resource-intensive than conducting the search, we suggest investing time upfront in planning and optimising the search to save time by reducing the literature screening workload. To achieve this goal, RR teams should work with an information specialist. They should select a small number of relevant information sources (eg, databases) and use search methods that are highly likely to identify relevant literature for their topic. Database search strategies should aim to optimise both precision and sensitivity, and quality assurance measures (peer review and validation of search strategies) should be applied to minimise errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Klerings
- Department for Evidence-Based Medicine and Evaluation, University of Krems (Danube University Krems), Krems, Niederösterreich, Austria
| | - Shannon Robalino
- Center for Evidence-based Policy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Andrew Booth
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Camila Micaela Escobar-Liquitay
- Research Department, Associate Cochrane Centre, Instituto Universitario Escuela de Medicina del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Isolde Sommer
- Department for Evidence-Based Medicine and Evaluation, University of Krems (Danube University Krems), Krems, Niederösterreich, Austria
| | - Gerald Gartlehner
- Department for Evidence-Based Medicine and Evaluation, University of Krems (Danube University Krems), Krems, Niederösterreich, Austria
- RTI-UNC Evidence-based Practice Center, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Declan Devane
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, HRB TMRN, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Evidence Synthesis Ireland & Cochrane Ireland, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Siw Waffenschmidt
- Information Management Department, Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare, Cologne, Germany
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7
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Begley SL, Pelcher I, Schulder M. Topic Reviews in Neurosurgical Journals: An Analysis of Publication Trends. World Neurosurg 2023; 179:171-176. [PMID: 37648204 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.08.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Topic review articles have become increasingly popular, even as the neurosurgical community looks to peer-reviewed journals as a source of discovery in basic and clinical science. In this study we quantify the prevalence of topic review articles in top neurosurgery journals. METHODS The top 20 neurosurgery journals were defined by Google Scholar metrics. The PubMed database quantified the number of topic reviews compared with the total number of articles published; data were analyzed for trends between 1945 and 2022. RESULTS All 20 journals have published topic reviews since the start of records on PubMed. Total publications have increased from <500 before 1980 to >8000 in 2022. Topic reviews have increased from <1% before 1980, to 2% by 2000, and to 3%-4% since 2010. The linear trend line equation for the total percentage of reviews in all journals shows a small increase in topic reviews per year. Three journals decreased review publication whereas 4 have reached prevalence >10%. The prevalence of topic reviews increased significantly from the first (2.13) to the last (4.76) year of publication (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS The increasing prevalence of topic reviews is seen in most neurosurgery journals, reflecting supply and demand. Although there are benefits to these articles, they do not contribute novel data. Actions such as defining and labeling this publication type in journals and databases will improve the transparency of research methods. Academic neurosurgeons should further expand their knowledge and not become focused only on introspection into and review of neurosurgical understanding and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina L Begley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, New York, USA.
| | - Isabelle Pelcher
- Department of Neurosurgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Michael Schulder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, New York, USA
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8
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Sadlon A, Ott M, Kressig RW. Patients with geriatric syndromes and anti-amyloid therapies: lack of consideration? An exploratory analysis of the literature. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1256968. [PMID: 37881360 PMCID: PMC10595147 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1256968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients who should benefit from anti-amyloid therapies (AAT) are found across all geriatric settings. Yet, it remains unclear how the use of AAT in patients with geriatric syndromes, such as frailty and polypharmacy, has so far been discussed in the literature. Methods Articles on aducanumab, gantenerumab, lecanemab, donanemab, crenezumab, solanezumab were retrieved in MEDLINE from inception to July 2023. For each article, identified geriatric relevant terms were assigned to five discussion contexts (eligibility of AAT study population, safety, prescription, patient clinical profile, alternative outcomes measurement). Article type and the involvement of geriatric healthcare professionals as an author were further extracted. Results Out of 538 articles, 23 (4.27%) were published in journals from the geriatric category, 44 (8.18%) included an author affiliated with a geriatric institution. One hundred and sixteen (21.56%) articles included at least one geriatric relevant term, which were mostly discussed in the context of safety and eligibility. Articles mentioning geriatric syndromes were more frequently authored by a geriatric healthcare professional (p = 0.044). Discussion The use of AAT in patients with geriatric syndromes has so far received poor attention in the literature raising concerns on their use in this patient group. The involvement of geriatric healthcare professionals in future studies may increase the relevance of AAT research in patients with geriatric syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélique Sadlon
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital & University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Ageing Epidemiology Research Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Ott
- Memory Clinic Entlisberg, Geriatric Department City of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reto W. Kressig
- University Department of Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER & University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Mathias K, Jain S, Fraser R, Davis M, Kimijima–Dennemeyer R, Pillai P, Deshpande SN, Wolters M. Improving mental ill-health with psycho-social group interventions in South Asia-A scoping review using a realist lens. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001736. [PMID: 37639400 PMCID: PMC10461838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
This scoping review aimed to synthesise current evidence related to psycho-social groups as part of community-based mental health interventions in South Asia. We used a realist lens to pay attention to the contexts and mechanisms supporting positive outcomes. We included studies published from January 2007 to February 2022 that: were based in communities in South Asia, included a group component, reported on interventions with a clear psychosocial component, targeted adults and were implemented by lay community health workers. Two reviewers extracted data on intervention components, groups and facilitators, participant demographics and enabling contexts, mechanisms and outcomes. Expert reference panels including people with lived experience of psycho-social disability, mental health professionals and policy makers confirmed the validity and relevance of initial review findings. The review examined 15 interventions represented by 42 papers. Only four interventions were solely psycho-social and nearly all included psychoeducation and economic support. Only 8 of the 46 quantitative outcome measures used were developed in South Asia. In a context of social exclusion and limited autonomy for people with psychosocial disability, psychosocial support groups triggered five key mechanisms. Trusted relationships undergirded all mechanisms, and provided a sense of inclusion, social support and of being able to manage mental distress due to improved skills and knowledge. Over time group members felt a sense of belonging and collective strength meaning they were better able to advocate for their own well-being and address upstream social health determinants. This led to outcomes of improved mental health and social participation across the realms of intrapersonal, interpersonal and community. Psychosocial groups merit greater attention as an active ingredient in community interventions and also as an effective, relevant, acceptable and scalable platform that can promote and increase mental health in communities, through facilitation by lay community health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaaren Mathias
- Herbertpur Christian Hospital, Emmanuel Hospital Association, Uttarakhand, India
- Faculty of Health, Te Kaupeka Oranga, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sumeet Jain
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Meghan Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Pooja Pillai
- Herbertpur Christian Hospital, Emmanuel Hospital Association, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Smita N. Deshpande
- Department of Psychiatry, St John’s National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Maria Wolters
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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10
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Smela B, Toumi M, Świerk K, Francois C, Biernikiewicz M, Clay E, Boyer L. Rapid literature review: definition and methodology. JOURNAL OF MARKET ACCESS & HEALTH POLICY 2023; 11:2241234. [PMID: 37533549 PMCID: PMC10392303 DOI: 10.1080/20016689.2023.2241234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: A rapid literature review (RLR) is an alternative to systematic literature review (SLR) that can speed up the analysis of newly published data. The objective was to identify and summarize available information regarding different approaches to defining RLR and the methodology applied to the conduct of such reviews. Methods: The Medline and EMBASE databases, as well as the grey literature, were searched using the set of keywords and their combination related to the targeted and rapid review, as well as design, approach, and methodology. Of the 3,898 records retrieved, 12 articles were included. Results: Specific definition of RLRs has only been developed in 2021. In terms of methodology, the RLR should be completed within shorter timeframes using simplified procedures in comparison to SLRs, while maintaining a similar level of transparency and minimizing bias. Inherent components of the RLR process should be a clear research question, search protocol, simplified process of study selection, data extraction, and quality assurance. Conclusions: There is a lack of consensus on the formal definition of the RLR and the best approaches to perform it. The evidence-based supporting methods are evolving, and more work is needed to define the most robust approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Public Health Department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Clement Francois
- Public Health Department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Emilie Clay
- Public Health Department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Clever-Access, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- Public Health Department, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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11
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Munn Z, Pollock D, Barker TH, Stone J, Stern C, Aromataris E, Pearson A, Straus S, Khalil H, Mustafa RA, Tricco AC, Schünemann HJ. The Dark Side of Rapid Reviews: A Retreat From Systematic Approaches and the Need for Clear Expectations and Reporting. Ann Intern Med 2023; 176:266-267. [PMID: 36571838 DOI: 10.7326/m22-2603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Munn
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (Z.M., D.P., T.H.B., J.S., C.S., E.A., A.P.)
| | - Danielle Pollock
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (Z.M., D.P., T.H.B., J.S., C.S., E.A., A.P.)
| | - Timothy Hugh Barker
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (Z.M., D.P., T.H.B., J.S., C.S., E.A., A.P.)
| | - Jennifer Stone
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (Z.M., D.P., T.H.B., J.S., C.S., E.A., A.P.)
| | - Cindy Stern
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (Z.M., D.P., T.H.B., J.S., C.S., E.A., A.P.)
| | - Edoardo Aromataris
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (Z.M., D.P., T.H.B., J.S., C.S., E.A., A.P.)
| | - Alan Pearson
- JBI, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (Z.M., D.P., T.H.B., J.S., C.S., E.A., A.P.)
| | - Sharon Straus
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (S.S.)
| | - Hanan Khalil
- La Trobe University, School of Psychology and Public Health, Department of Public Health, Melbourne, Australia (H.K.)
| | - Reem A Mustafa
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas (R.A.M.)
| | - Andrea C Tricco
- Queen's Collaboration for Health Care Quality: A JBI Centre of Excellence, School of Nursing, Queen's University Kingston, Kingston, and Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, and Epidemiology Division and Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (A.C.T.)
| | - Holger J Schünemann
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, and Michael G. DeGroote Cochrane Canada and GRADE Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy (H.J.S.)
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12
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The effect of minimum volume standards in hospitals (MIVOS) - protocol of a systematic review. Syst Rev 2023; 12:11. [PMID: 36670435 PMCID: PMC9862850 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-022-02160-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The volume-outcome relationship, i.e., higher hospital volume results in better health outcomes, has been established for different surgical procedures as well as for certain nonsurgical medical interventions. Accordingly, many countries such as Germany, the USA, Canada, the UK, and Switzerland have established minimum volume standards. To date, there is a lack of systematically summarized evidence regarding the effects of such regulations. METHODS To be included in the review, studies must measure any effects connected to minimum volume standards. Outcomes of interest include the following: (1) patient-related outcomes, (2) process-related outcomes, and (3) health system-related outcomes. We will include (cluster) randomized controlled trials ([C]RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials (nRCTs), controlled before-after studies (CBAs), and interrupted time-series studies (ITSs). We will apply no restrictions regarding language, publication date, and publication status. We will search MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase (via Embase), CENTRAL (via Cochrane Library), CINHAL (via EBSCO), EconLit (via EBSCO), PDQ evidence for informed health policymaking, health systems evidence, OpenGrey, and also trial registries for relevant studies. We will further search manually for additional studies by cross-checking the reference lists of all included primary studies as well as cross-checking the reference lists of relevant systematic reviews. To evaluate the risk of bias, we will use the ROBINS-I and RoB 2 risk-of-bias tools for the corresponding study designs. For data synthesis and statistical analyses, we will follow the guidance published by the EPOC Cochrane group (Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC), EPOC Resources for review authors, 2019). DISCUSSION This systematic review focuses on minimum volume standards and the outcomes used to measure their effects. It is designed to provide thorough and encompassing evidence-based information on this topic. Thus, it will inform decision-makers and policymakers with respect to the effects of minimum volume standards and inform further studies in regard to research gaps. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022318883.
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13
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Marshall IJ, Trikalinos TA, Soboczenski F, Yun HS, Kell G, Marshall R, Wallace BC. In a pilot study, automated real-time systematic review updates were feasible, accurate, and work-saving. J Clin Epidemiol 2023; 153:26-33. [PMID: 36150548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to describe and pilot a novel method for continuously identifying newly published trials relevant to a systematic review, enabled by combining artificial intelligence (AI) with human expertise. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We used RobotReviewer LIVE to keep a review of COVID-19 vaccination trials updated from February to August 2021. We compared the papers identified by the system with those found by the conventional manual process by the review team. RESULTS The manual update searches (last search date July 2021) retrieved 135 abstracts, of which 31 were included after screening (23% precision, 100% recall). By the same date, the automated system retrieved 56 abstracts, of which 31 were included after manual screening (55% precision, 100% recall). Key limitations of the system include that it is limited to searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, and considers only randomized controlled trial reports. We aim to address these limitations in future. The system is available as open-source software for further piloting and evaluation. CONCLUSION Our system identified all relevant studies, reduced manual screening work, and enabled rolling updates on publication of new primary research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain J Marshall
- School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Thomas A Trikalinos
- Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Frank Soboczenski
- School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Hye Sun Yun
- Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gregory Kell
- School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Byron C Wallace
- Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Öğüt Ç, Öğüt ND. Trichotillomania, Skin Picking Disorder, and Different Aspects of Impulsivity: A Systematic Review. Psychiatr Ann 2022. [DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20221220-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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15
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Norman G, Wilson P, Dumville J, Bower P, Cullum N. Rapid evidence synthesis to enable innovation and adoption in health and social care. Syst Rev 2022; 11:250. [PMID: 36419199 PMCID: PMC9682764 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-022-02106-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid identification and adoption of effective innovations in healthcare is a known challenge. The strongest evidence base for innovations can be provided by evidence synthesis, but this is frequently a lengthy process and even rapid versions of this can be time-consuming and complex. In the UK, the Accelerated Access Review and Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) have provided the impetus to develop a consistently rapid process to support the identification and adoption of high-value innovations in the English NHS. METHODS The Greater Manchester Applied Research Collaboration (ARC-GM) developed a framework for a rapid evidence synthesis (RES) approach, which is highly integrated within the innovation process of the Greater Manchester AHSN and the associated healthcare and research ecosystem. The RES uses evidence synthesis approaches and draws on the GRADE Evidence to Decision framework to provide rapid assessments of the existing evidence and its relevance to specific decision problems. We implemented this in a real-time context of decision-making around adoption of innovative health technologies. RESULTS Key stakeholders in the Greater Manchester decision-making process for healthcare innovations have found that our approach is both timely and flexible; it is valued for its combination of rigour and speed. Our RES approach rapidly and systematically identifies, appraises and contextualises relevant evidence, which can then be transparently incorporated into decisions about the wider adoption of innovations. The RES also identifies limitations in existing evidence for innovations and this can inform subsequent evaluations. There is substantial interest from other ARCs and AHSNs in implementing a similar process. We are currently exploring methods to make completed RES publicly available. We are also exploring methods to evaluate the impact of using RES as more implementation decisions are made. CONCLUSIONS The RES framework we have implemented combines transparency and consistency with flexibility and rapidity. It therefore maximises utility in a real-time decision-making context for healthcare innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gill Norman
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Paul Wilson
- NIHR ARC GM, Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jo Dumville
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter Bower
- NIHR ARC GM, Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Nicky Cullum
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.,Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation Division, Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
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16
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Gurung A, Khatiwada B, Kayastha B, Parsekar S, Mistry SK, Yadav UN. Effectiveness of Zingiber Officinale(ginger) compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and complementary therapy in primary dysmenorrhoea: A systematic review. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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17
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Cadogan CA. Pharmacist interventions to deprescribe benzodiazepines in older adults: A missed opportunity? Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:4012-4015. [PMID: 35768308 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cathal A Cadogan
- (a)School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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18
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Guo Q, Cheng Y, Zhang C, Yang H, Chen X, Wang X, Yang L, Feng K, Long Y, Shao Z, Wang Y, Lin Y, Liao G, Huang J, Du L. A search of just four key databases would identify most randomized controlled trials of acupuncture: a meta-epidemiological study. Res Synth Methods 2022; 13:622-631. [PMID: 35716041 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little research has been conducted to assess which specific databases should be searched when performing a systematic review (SR) on acupuncture. The current study aimed to identify key databases and the optimal database combination to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for inclusion in SRs. METHODS A systematic search for SRs in the field of acupuncture was conducted in order to identify target databases and RCTs were extracted from the SRs that had searched all target databases. The proportions of SRs that had achieved 100%, 95% or 90% recall of RCTs and the total recall of RCTs in various combinations of target databases were calculated. Sensitivity analysis was performed on those SRs that included 10 or more RCTs. RESULTS CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, CENTRAL and Embase were regarded as target databases. A total of 4349 acupuncture RCTs were extracted from 286 SRs. Searching all six target databases retrieved 99.3% of all RCTs while 99.1% were recalled by searching the combination of CNKI, WanFang, PubMed and CENTRAL. There were no significant differences on total recall of RCTs (p=0.549) or in the proportion of SRs with 90% recall of RCTs (97.2% vs. 97.6%; p=0.794) between searching the above four and the full six target databases. Most results were similar in the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION The combined retrieval power of CNKI, WanFang, PubMed and CENTRAL was considered an efficient choice to retrieve acupuncture RCTs included in SRs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Guo
- Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yifan Cheng
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- West China School of Medcine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Huifang Yang
- West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xia Chen
- West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Liu Yang
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Kun Feng
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Youlin Long
- Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China.,Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Zilun Shao
- West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yutian Wang
- West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yifei Lin
- Precision Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China.,Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ga Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China.,Medical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China.,Department of Information Management, Department of Stomatology Informatics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Jin Huang
- Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Liang Du
- Medical Device Regulatory Research and Evaluation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China.,Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
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19
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Abbott R, Bethel A, Rogers M, Whear R, Orr N, Shaw L, Stein K, Thompson Coon J. Characteristics, quality and volume of the first 5 months of the COVID-19 evidence synthesis infodemic: a meta-research study. BMJ Evid Based Med 2022; 27:169-177. [PMID: 34083212 PMCID: PMC9132873 DOI: 10.1136/bmjebm-2021-111710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The academic and scientific community has reacted at pace to gather evidence to help and inform about COVID-19. Concerns have been raised about the quality of this evidence. The aim of this review was to map the nature, scope and quality of evidence syntheses on COVID-19 and to explore the relationship between review quality and the extent of researcher, policy and media interest. DESIGN AND SETTING A meta-research: systematic review of reviews. INFORMATION SOURCES PubMed, Epistemonikos COVID-19 evidence, the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection and the WHO COVID-19 database, searched between 10 June 2020 and 15 June 2020. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Any peer-reviewed article reported as a systematic review, rapid review, overview, meta-analysis or qualitative evidence synthesis in the title or abstract addressing a research question relating to COVID-19. Articles described as meta-analyses but not undertaken as part of a systematic or rapid review were excluded. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Abstract and full text screening were undertaken by two independent reviewers. Descriptive information on review type, purpose, population, size, citation and attention metrics were extracted along with whether the review met the definition of a systematic review according to six key methodological criteria. For those meeting all criteria, additional data on methods and publication metrics were extracted. RISK OF BIAS For articles meeting all six criteria required to meet the definition of a systematic review, AMSTAR-2 ((A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews, version 2.0) was used to assess the quality of the reported methods. RESULTS 2334 articles were screened, resulting in 280 reviews being included: 232 systematic reviews, 46 rapid reviews and 2 overviews. Less than half reported undertaking critical appraisal and a third had no reproducible search strategy. There was considerable overlap in topics, with discordant findings. Eighty-eight of the 280 reviews met all six systematic review criteria. Of these, just 3 were rated as of moderate or high quality on AMSTAR-2, with the majority having critical flaws: only a third reported registering a protocol, and less than one in five searched named COVID-19 databases. Review conduct and publication were rapid, with 52 of the 88 systematic reviews reported as being conducted within 3 weeks, and a half published within 3 weeks of submission. Researcher and media interest, as measured by altmetrics and citations, was high, and was not correlated with quality. DISCUSSION This meta-research of early published COVID-19 evidence syntheses found low-quality reviews being published at pace, often with short publication turnarounds. Despite being of low quality and many lacking robust methods, the reviews received substantial attention across both academic and public platforms, and the attention was not related to the quality of review methods. INTERPRETATION Flaws in systematic review methods limit the validity of a review and the generalisability of its findings. Yet, by being reported as 'systematic reviews', many readers may well regard them as high-quality evidence, irrespective of the actual methods undertaken. The challenge especially in times such as this pandemic is to provide indications of trustworthiness in evidence that is available in 'real time'. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020188822.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Abbott
- NIHR ARC South West Peninsula, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Alison Bethel
- NIHR ARC South West Peninsula, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Morwenna Rogers
- NIHR ARC South West Peninsula, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rebecca Whear
- NIHR ARC South West Peninsula, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Noreen Orr
- NIHR ARC South West Peninsula, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Liz Shaw
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ken Stein
- NIHR ARC South West Peninsula, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jo Thompson Coon
- NIHR ARC South West Peninsula, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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20
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Ewald H, Klerings I, Wagner G, Heise TL, Stratil JM, Lhachimi SK, Lg H, Gartlehner G, Armijo-Olivo S, Nussbaumer-Streit B. Searching two or more databases decreased the risk of missing relevant studies: a metaresearch study. J Clin Epidemiol 2022; 149:154-164. [PMID: 35654269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assessing changes in coverage, recall, review conclusions and references not found when searching fewer databases. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING In 60 randomly selected Cochrane reviews, we checked included study publications' coverage (indexation) and recall (findability) using different search approaches with MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL and related them to authors' conclusions and certainty. We assessed characteristics of unfound references. RESULTS 1989/2080 included references, were indexed in ≥1 database (coverage=96%). In reviews where using one of our search approaches would not change conclusions and certainty (n=44-54), median coverage and recall were highest (range 87.9-100.0% and 78.2-93.3%, respectively). Here, searching ≥2 databases reached >95% coverage and ≥87.9% recall. In reviews with unchanged conclusions but less certainty (n=2-8): 63.3-79.3% coverage and 45.0-75.0% recall. In reviews with opposite conclusions (n=1-3): 63.3-96.6% and 52.1-78.7%. In reviews where a conclusion was no longer possible (n=3-7): 60.6%-86.0% and 20.0-53.8%. The 265 references that were indexed but unfound were more often abstractless (30% vs 11%) and older (28% vs. 17% published before 1991) than found references. CONCLUSION Searching ≥2 databases improves coverage and recall and decreases the risk of missing eligible studies. If researchers suspect that relevant articles are difficult to find, supplementary search methods should be used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Ewald
- University Medical Library, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Irma Klerings
- Cochrane Austria, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Gernot Wagner
- Cochrane Austria, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
| | - Thomas L Heise
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Bremen, Germany; Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research - IPP, Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Jan M Stratil
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Pettenkofer School of Public Health, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan K Lhachimi
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research - IPP, Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany; Department of Health, Nursing, Management, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, 17033, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Hemkens Lg
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA,; Meta-Research Innovation Center Berlin (METRIC-B), Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerald Gartlehner
- Cochrane Austria, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria; RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susan Armijo-Olivo
- University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences - Osnabrück, Germany; Faculties of Rehabilitation Medicine and Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton Canada
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21
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Yoon S, Kim SE, Ko Y, Jeong GH, Lee KH, Lee J, Solmi M, Jacob L, Smith L, Stickley A, Carvalho AF, Dragioti E, Kronbichler A, Koyanagi A, Hong SH, Thompson T, Oh H, Salazar de Pablo G, Radua J, Shin JI, Fusar-Poli P. Differential expression of MicroRNAs in Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2405-2413. [PMID: 35264731 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01476-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) results in progressive cognitive decline owing to the accumulation of amyloid plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted attention as a putative diagnostic and therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. However, existing meta-analyses on AD and its association with miRNAs have produced inconsistent results. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the magnitude and consistency of differences in miRNA levels between AD patients, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and healthy controls (HC). Articles investigating miRNA levels in blood, brain tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD and MCI patients versus HC were systematically searched in PubMed/Medline from inception to February 16th, 2021. Fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses were complemented with the I2 statistic to measure the heterogeneity, assessment of publication bias, sensitivity subgroup analyses (AD severity, brain region, post-mortem versus ante-mortem specimen for CSF and type of analysis used to quantify miRNA) and functional enrichment pathway analysis. Of the 1512 miRNAs included in 61 articles, 425 meta-analyses were performed on 334 miRNAs. Fifty-six miRNAs were significantly upregulated (n = 40) or downregulated (n = 16) in AD versus HC and all five miRNAs were significantly upregulated in MCI versus HC. Functional enrichment analysis confirmed that pathways related to apoptosis, immune response and inflammation were statistically enriched with upregulated pathways in participants with AD relative to HC. This study confirms that miRNAs' expression is altered in AD and MCI compared to HC. These findings open new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sojung Yoon
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Eun Kim
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Younhee Ko
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Kyoungki-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang Hun Jeong
- College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Keum Hwa Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, ON, Canada.,Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, ON, Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), Ottawa, ON, Canada.,School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Louis Jacob
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France.,Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu/CIBERSAM, Universitat de Barcelona, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance, and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Stickley
- Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.,Stockholm Center for Health and Social Change (SCOHOST), Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elena Dragioti
- Pain and Rehabilitation Centre and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | | | - Ai Koyanagi
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu/CIBERSAM, Universitat de Barcelona, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sung Hwi Hong
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Trevor Thompson
- Centre of Chronic Illness and Ageing, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Hans Oh
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90015, USA
| | - Gonzalo Salazar de Pablo
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquim Radua
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Imaging of Mood- and Anxiety-Related Disorders (IMARD) Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatric Research and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Early Psychosis: Interventions and Clinical-detection (EPIC) lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,OASIS service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,National Institute of Health Research Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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22
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Frampton G, Whaley P, Bennett M, Bilotta G, Dorne JLCM, Eales J, James K, Kohl C, Land M, Livoreil B, Makowski D, Muchiri E, Petrokofsky G, Randall N, Schofield K. Principles and framework for assessing the risk of bias for studies included in comparative quantitative environmental systematic reviews. ENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE 2022; 11:1-23. [PMID: 38264537 PMCID: PMC10805236 DOI: 10.1186/s13750-022-00264-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The internal validity of conclusions about effectiveness or impact in systematic reviews, and of decisions based on them, depends on risk of bias assessments being conducted appropriately. However, a random sample of 50 recently-published articles claiming to be quantitative environmental systematic reviews found 64% did not include any risk of bias assessment, whilst nearly all that did omitted key sources of bias. Other limitations included lack of transparency, conflation of quality constructs, and incomplete application of risk of bias assessments to the data synthesis. This paper addresses deficiencies in risk of bias assessments by highlighting core principles that are required for risk of bias assessments to be fit-for-purpose, and presenting a framework based on these principles to guide review teams on conducting risk of bias assessments appropriately and consistently. The core principles require that risk of bias assessments be Focused, Extensive, Applied and Transparent (FEAT). These principles support risk of bias assessments, appraisal of risk of bias tools, and the development of new tools. The framework follows a Plan-Conduct-Apply-Report approach covering all stages of risk of bias assessment. The scope of this paper is comparative quantitative environmental systematic reviews which address PICO or PECO-type questions including, but not limited to, topic areas such as environmental management, conservation, ecosystem restoration, and analyses of environmental interventions, exposures, impacts and risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff Frampton
- Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Whaley
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- Evidence-Based Toxicology Collaboration at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Micah Bennett
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
| | - Gary Bilotta
- School of Environment and Technology, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Jean-Lou C. M. Dorne
- Scientific Committee and Emerging Risks Unit, European Food Safety Authority, Via Carlo Magno 1A, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Jacqualyn Eales
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Knowledge Spa, Truro TR1 3HD, UK
| | - Katy James
- Centre for Evidence-Based Agriculture, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB, UK
| | - Christian Kohl
- Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology (SB), Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) - Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - David Makowski
- UMR518, University Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParistech, 16 rue Claude Bernard, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Evans Muchiri
- Centre for Anthropological Research, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gillian Petrokofsky
- Oxford Long-Term Ecology Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicola Randall
- Centre for Evidence-Based Agriculture, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB, UK
| | - Kate Schofield
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC 20460, USA
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Waste to Energy in Developing Countries—A Rapid Review: Opportunities, Challenges, and Policies in Selected Countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia towards Sustainability. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14073740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Daily per capita waste generation will increase by 40% and 19%, for developing and developed countries by 2050, respectively. The World Bank estimates that total waste generation is going to triple in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and double in South Asia (SA) by 2050. This article conducts a rapid review and aims to demonstrate the current waste management scenario and the potential of waste to energy generation in the developing world, focusing on SSA and SA. Although many review articles related to waste to energy (WtE) in developing countries are available in the literature, a rapid review particularly focusing on countries in SSA and SA is rarely seen. An analysis of different WtE generation technologies, and current waste management practices in developing countries in SSA and SA are also presented. The analysis shows that about three-fourths of waste is openly dumped in developing countries of SSA and SA. In terms of waste composition, on average, about 48.70% and 51.16% of waste generated in developing economies of SSA and SA are organic. Opportunities to convert this waste into energy for developing countries are highlighted, with a case study of Bangladesh, a country in SA. Major challenges regarding the waste to energy (WtE) projects in the developing world are found to be the composition of waste, absence of waste separation scheme at source, ineffective waste collection method, lack of suitable WtE generation technology in place, lack of financial support and policies related to a WtE project, and absence of coordination between different governmental institutions.
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24
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Speckemeier C, Niemann A, Wasem J, Bucherger B, Neusser S. Methodological guidance for rapid reviews in healthcare: a scoping review. Res Synth Methods 2022; 13:394-404. [PMID: 35247034 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present work was to identify published methodological guidance for rapid reviews (RRs) and to analyze the recommendations with regard to time-saving measures. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING A literature search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE in November 2020. In addition, a search based on Google Scholar and websites of governmental and non-governmental organizations was conducted. Literature screening was carried out by two researchers independently. RESULTS A total of 34 publications were included. These describe 38 distinct RR types. The timeframe to complete the identified RR types ranges from 24 hours to six months (mean time 2.2 months). For most RR types a specific research question (n=21) and a prioritizing search (n=25; preference for e.g. systematic reviews, meta-analyses) is employed. Different approaches such as reduced personnel in literature screening (n=21) and data extraction (n=21) are recommended. The majority of RR types include a bias assessment (n=28) and suggest a narrative report focusing on safety and efficacy. CONCLUSION The included RR types are heterogeneous in terms of completion time, considered domains and strategies to alter the standard systematic review methods. A rationale for the recommended shortcuts is rarely presented. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Speckemeier
- Institute for Healthcare Management and Research, University Duisburg-Essen, Thea-Leymann-Straße 9, Essen, Germany
| | - Anja Niemann
- Institute for Healthcare Management and Research, University Duisburg-Essen, Thea-Leymann-Straße 9, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Wasem
- Institute for Healthcare Management and Research, University Duisburg-Essen, Thea-Leymann-Straße 9, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Silke Neusser
- Institute for Healthcare Management and Research, University Duisburg-Essen, Thea-Leymann-Straße 9, Essen, Germany
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25
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Zolopa C, Burack JA, O’Connor RM, Corran C, Lai J, Bomfim E, DeGrace S, Dumont J, Larney S, Wendt DC. Changes in Youth Mental Health, Psychological Wellbeing, and Substance Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review. ADOLESCENT RESEARCH REVIEW 2022; 7:161-177. [PMID: 35252542 PMCID: PMC8881192 DOI: 10.1007/s40894-022-00185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers around the world have made efforts to assess its impact on youth mental health; however, the breadth of this topic has impeded a clear assessment of pandemic outcomes. This study aimed to address this gap by reviewing changes in youth (age ≤ 25) mental health, psychological wellbeing, substance use, and the use or delivery of relevant services during the pandemic. PubMed and Embase were searched in May 2021 to conduct a rapid review of the literature. The results encompass 156 primary publications and are reported using a narrative synthesis. Studies of mental health (n = 122) and psychological wellbeing (n = 28) generally indicated poor outcomes in many settings. Publications regarding substance use (n = 41) noted overall declines or unchanged patterns. Studies of service delivery (n = 12) indicated a generally positive reception for helplines and telehealth, although some youth experienced difficulties accessing services. The findings indicate negative impacts of the pandemic on youth mental health, with mixed results for substance use. Services must support marginalized youth who lack access to telehealth. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40894-022-00185-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Zolopa
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 rue Saint-Denis, porte R6-432, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9 Canada
| | - Jacob A. Burack
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Roisin M. O’Connor
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Charlotte Corran
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Jessica Lai
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Emiliana Bomfim
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
| | - Sarah DeGrace
- Department of Psychiatry, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University, 5909 Veterans’ Memorial Lane, 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Memorial Building, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2 Canada
| | - Julianne Dumont
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Sarah Larney
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CR-CHUM), 900 rue Saint-Denis, porte R6-432, Montreal, QC H2X 0A9 Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 boulevard d’Edouard Montpetit, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Dennis C. Wendt
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4 Canada
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26
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Opportunities to improve reporting of rapid response in health technology assessment. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2021; 38:e4. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266462321000635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Mini health technology assessment (HTA) reports have been used to support policy makers and health systems by providing a timely summary of scientific evidence. The objective of this meta-epidemiologic study was to evaluate the quality of reporting of mini-HTA reports published in Brazil.
Methods
An electronic search for all mini-HTA reports published between 2014 and March 2019 was conducted in the SISREBRATS and CONITEC databases. The study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent assessors. The following data were extracted: bibliographic data; research question; characteristics of the population, health technologies and outcomes assessed; eligibility criteria; information about searches and study selection; risk of bias assessment; quality of evidence assessment; synthesis of results; and recommendation about the technology evaluated. A descriptive analysis was used to summarize the information retrieved from all the included mini-HTA reports.
Results
We included 103 mini-HTA reports, the great majority of which (92.3 percent) focused on the coverage of the technologies in the healthcare system, with more than 60 percent being about drugs. Only five mini-HTA reports (4.8 percent) gave reasons for the choice of outcomes, and fifteen (14.5 percent) discriminated between primary and secondary outcomes. All mini-HTAs reported the databases searched and 99 percent of them reported using Medline. Sixty percent of the mini-HTA reported assessing the risk of bias, and 52 percent reported assessing the quality of evidence.
Conclusion
The quality of reporting of the mini-HTA reports performed in Brazil is insufficient and needs to be improved to guarantee transparency and replicability.
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27
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Xu C, Ju K, Lin L, Jia P, Kwong JSW, Syed A, Furuya-Kanamori L. Rapid evidence synthesis approach for limits on the search date: How rapid could it be? Res Synth Methods 2021; 13:68-76. [PMID: 34523791 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Rapid reviews have been widely employed to support timely decision-making, and limiting the search date is the most popular approach in published rapid reviews. We assessed the accuracy and workload of search date limits on the meta-analytical results to determine the best rapid strategy. The meta-analyses data were collected from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR). We emulated the rapid reviews by limiting the search date of the original CDSR to the recent 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 7, 5, and 3 years, and their results were compared to the full meta-analyses. A random sample of 10% was drawn to repeat the literature search by the same timeframe limits to measure the relative workload reduction (RWR). The relationship between accuracy and RWR was established. We identified 21,363 meta-analyses of binary outcomes and 7683 meta-analyses of continuous outcomes from 2693 CDSRs. Our results suggested that under a maximum tolerance of 5% and 10% on the bias of magnitude, a limit on the recent 20 years can achieve good accuracy and at the same time save the most workload. Under the tolerance of 15% and 20% on the bias, a limit on the recent 10 years and 15 years could be considered. Limiting the search date is a valid rapid method to produce credible evidence for timely decisions. When conducting rapid reviews, researchers should consider both the accuracy and workload to make an appropriate decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Xu
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ke Ju
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lifeng Lin
- Department of Statistics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Pengli Jia
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | | | - Asma Syed
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
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28
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Verma A, Gudi N, Yadav UN, Roy MP, Mahmood A, Nagaraja R, Nayak P. Prevalence of COPD among population above 30 years in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Glob Health 2021; 11:04038. [PMID: 34484706 PMCID: PMC8397327 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.04038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background By 2030, Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 aims to reduce the premature mortality caused by non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the second leading cause of mortality and disability-adjusted life years in India. This review was conducted to estimate the prevalence of COPD using systematic review and meta-analysis technique. Method Search was conducted using six databases for studies on COPD among population above 30 years in India between years 2000 to 2020. Cross-sectional and cohort studies reporting prevalence of COPD and associated risk factors were included in the present review. Screening and data extraction was done by two authors independently. Studies were appraised for quality using the modified New Castle Ottawa scale and reporting quality was assessed using STROBE guidelines. Result Our search returned 8973 records, from which 23 records fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Overall, the prevalence of COPD among population aged 30 years and above in India was 7%. Risk factors like active and passive smoking, biomass fuel exposure, environmental tobacco smoke, occupational exposure to dust, indoor and outdoor pollution, and increasing age were reported to have a significant association with COPD among Indian population. Conclusion Our findings suggest the need for a multicentric national-level research study to understand COPD burden and its contributing risk factors. The findings also suggest the need for COPD sensitive health literacy program focused on early screening and primary prevention of risk factors for COPD, which may help early initiation of self-management practices, that are crucial for better quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani Verma
- Evidence Synthesis Specialist, Campbell South Asia, New Delhi, India.,DIT University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nachiket Gudi
- Department of Health Policy, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India
| | - Uday N Yadav
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Center for Research, Policy, and Implementation, Biratnagar, Nepal.,Department of Public Health, Torrens University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Manas Pratim Roy
- Deputy Assistant Director General, Directorate General of Health Services, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi, India
| | - Amreen Mahmood
- Department of Physiotherapy, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka, India
| | - Ravishankar Nagaraja
- Department of Biostatistics, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Pradeepa Nayak
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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29
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Kairuz CA, Casanelia LM, Bennett-Brook K, Coombes J, Yadav UN. Impact of racism and discrimination on physical and mental health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples living in Australia: a systematic scoping review. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1302. [PMID: 34217243 PMCID: PMC8254223 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11363-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Racism is increasingly recognised as a significant health determinant that contributes to health inequalities. In Australia efforts have been made to bridge the recognised health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. This systematic scoping review aimed to assess, synthesise, and analyse the evidence in Australia about the impacts of racism on the mental and physical health of Aboriginal and Torrens Strait Islander peoples. Methods A systematic search was conducted to locate Australian studies in English published between 2000 and 2020. Five electronic databases were used: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science and the Australia’s National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research. The search strategy included a combination of key words related with racism, mental health, physical health and Indigenous people. Data were extracted based on review questions and findings were synthesized in a narrative summary. Results Of total 338 searched studies from five databases, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria for narrative synthesis where eight were cross-sectional studies and four prospective cohorts. General mental health and general health perception were the most frequently studied outcomes followed by child behaviour, smoking and substance consumption and specific health conditions. The prevalence of racism varied between 6.9 and 97%. The most common health outcomes associated with racism were general poor mental health and poor general health perception. More specific health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, child behaviour, asthma, increased BMI and smoking were also associated with racism but were analysed by a limited number of studies. Three studies analysed psychological distress, negative mental health, sleeping difficulties and negative perceived mental health according to severity of exposition to racism. Conclusion Racism is associated with negative overall mental and negative general health outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Strategies to prevent all forms and sources of racism are necessary to move forward to bridging the health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. Further research is needed to understand in more detail the impact of racism from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander definition of health and wellbeing. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11363-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila A Kairuz
- Department of Public Health, Torrens University, Sydney, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa M Casanelia
- Department of Public Health, Torrens University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Uday Narayan Yadav
- Department of Public Health, Torrens University, Sydney, Australia. .,Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia. .,Center for Research Policy and Implementation, Biratnagar, Nepal.
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30
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Sutton EL, Kearney RS. What works? Interventions to reduce readmission after hip fracture: A rapid review of systematic reviews. Injury 2021; 52:1851-1860. [PMID: 33985752 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hip fracture is a common serious injury in older people and reducing readmission after hip fracture is a priority in many healthcare systems. Interventions which significantly reduce readmission after hip fracture have been identified and the aim of this review is to collate and summarise the efficacy of these interventions in one place. METHODS In a rapid review of systematic reviews one reviewer (ELS) searched the Ovid SP version of Medline and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Titles and abstracts of 915 articles were reviewed. Nineteen systematic reviews were included. (ELS) used a data extraction sheet to capture data on interventions and their effect on readmission. A second reviewer (RK) verified data extraction in a random sample of four systematic reviews. Results were not meta-analysed. Odds and risk ratios are presented where available. RESULTS Three interventions significantly reduce readmission in elderly populations after hip fracture: personalised discharge planning, self-care and regional anaesthesia. Three interventions are not conclusively supported by evidence: Oral Nutritional Supplementation, integration of care, and case management. Two interventions do not affect readmission after hip fracture: Enhanced Recovery pathways and comprehensive geriatric assessment. CONCLUSIONS Three interventions are most effective at reducing readmissions in older people: discharge planning, self-care, and regional anaesthesia. Further work is needed to optimise interventions and ensure the most at-risk populations benefit from them, and complete development work on interventions (e.g. interventions to reduce loneliness) and intervention components (e.g. adapting self-care interventions for dementia patients) which have not been fully tested yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Sutton
- Coventry University, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Richard Crossman Building, CV1 5FB Coventry, England.
| | - R S Kearney
- University of Warwick, Clinical Trials Unit, CV4 7AL Coventry, England
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31
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Marshall IJ, L'Esperance V, Marshall R, Thomas J, Noel-Storr A, Soboczenski F, Nye B, Nenkova A, Wallace BC. State of the evidence: a survey of global disparities in clinical trials. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2020-004145. [PMID: 33402333 PMCID: PMC7786802 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ideally, health conditions causing the greatest global disease burden should attract increased research attention. We conducted a comprehensive global study investigating the number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published on different health conditions, and how this compares with the global disease burden that they impose. Methods We use machine learning to monitor PubMed daily, and find and analyse RCT reports. We assessed RCTs investigating the leading causes of morbidity and mortality from the Global Burden of Disease study. Using regression models, we compared numbers of actual RCTs in different health conditions to numbers predicted from their global disease burden (disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)). We investigated whether RCT numbers differed for conditions disproportionately affecting countries with lower socioeconomic development. Results We estimate 463 000 articles describing RCTs (95% prediction interval 439 000 to 485 000) were published from 1990 to July 2020. RCTs recruited a median of 72 participants (IQR 32–195). 82% of RCTs were conducted by researchers in the top fifth of countries by socio-economic development. As DALYs increased for a particular health condition by 10%, the number of RCTs in the same year increased by 5% (3.2%–6.9%), but the association was weak (adjusted R2=0.13). Conditions disproportionately affecting countries with lower socioeconomic development, including respiratory infections and tuberculosis (7000 RCTs below predicted) and enteric infections (9700 RCTs below predicted), appear relatively under-researched for their disease burden. Each 10% shift in DALYs towards countries with low and middle socioeconomic development was associated with a 4% reduction in RCTs (3.7%–4.9%). These disparities have not changed substantially over time. Conclusion Research priorities are not well optimised to reduce the global burden of disease. Most RCTs are produced by highly developed countries, and the health needs of these countries have been, on average, favoured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain James Marshall
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Veline L'Esperance
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - James Thomas
- EPPI-Centre, Department of Social Science, UCL, London, UK
| | | | - Frank Soboczenski
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Nye
- Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ani Nenkova
- Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Byron C Wallace
- Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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The Impact of COVID-19 School Closure on Child and Adolescent Health: A Rapid Systematic Review. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8050415. [PMID: 34069468 PMCID: PMC8159143 DOI: 10.3390/children8050415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
School closures during pandemics raise important concerns for children and adolescents. Our aim is synthesizing available data on the impact of school closure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on child and adolescent health globally. We conducted a rapid systematic review by searching PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar for any study published between January and September 2020. We included a total of ten primary studies. COVID-19-related school closure was associated with a significant decline in the number of hospital admissions and pediatric emergency department visits. However, a number of children and adolescents lost access to school-based healthcare services, special services for children with disabilities, and nutrition programs. A greater risk of widening educational disparities due to lack of support and resources for remote learning were also reported among poorer families and children with disabilities. School closure also contributed to increased anxiety and loneliness in young people and child stress, sadness, frustration, indiscipline, and hyperactivity. The longer the duration of school closure and reduction of daily physical activity, the higher was the predicted increase of Body Mass Index and childhood obesity prevalence. There is a need to identify children and adolescents at higher risk of learning and mental health impairments and support them during school closures.
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Moons P, Goossens E, Thompson DR. Rapid reviews: the pros and cons of an accelerated review process. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2021; 20:515-519. [PMID: 34007994 DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvab041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Although systematic reviews are the method of choice to synthesize scientific evidence, they can take years to complete and publish. Clinicians, managers, and policy-makers often need input from scientific evidence in a more timely and resource-efficient manner. For this purpose, rapid reviews are conducted. Rapid reviews are performed using an accelerated process. However, they should not be less systematic than standard systematic reviews, and the introduction of bias must be avoided. In this article, we describe what rapid reviews are, present their characteristics, give some examples, highlight potential pitfalls, and draw attention to the importance of evidence summaries in order to facilitate adoption in clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Moons
- KU Leuven Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Box 7001, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Institute of Health and Care Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eva Goossens
- KU Leuven Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Box 7001, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium.,Centre for Research and Innovation, Division of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - David R Thompson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Nama N, Hennawy M, Barrowman N, O'Hearn K, Sampson M, McNally JD. Successful incorporation of single reviewer assessments during systematic review screening: development and validation of sensitivity and work-saved of an algorithm that considers exclusion criteria and count. Syst Rev 2021; 10:98. [PMID: 33820560 PMCID: PMC8020619 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01632-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accepted systematic review (SR) methodology requires citation screening by two reviewers to maximise retrieval of eligible studies. We hypothesized that records could be excluded by a single reviewer without loss of sensitivity in two conditions; the record was ineligible for multiple reasons, or the record was ineligible for one or more specific reasons that could be reliably assessed. METHODS Twenty-four SRs performed at CHEO, a pediatric health care and research centre in Ottawa, Canada, were divided into derivation and validation sets. Exclusion criteria during abstract screening were sorted into 11 specific categories, with loss in sensitivity determined by individual category and by number of exclusion criteria endorsed. Five single reviewer algorithms that combined individual categories and multiple exclusion criteria were then tested on the derivation and validation sets, with success defined a priori as less than 5% loss of sensitivity. RESULTS The 24 SRs included 930 eligible and 27390 ineligible citations. The reviews were mostly focused on pediatrics (70.8%, N=17/24), but covered various specialties. Using a single reviewer to exclude any citation led to an average loss of sensitivity of 8.6% (95%CI, 6.0-12.1%). Excluding citations with ≥2 exclusion criteria led to 1.2% average loss of sensitivity (95%CI, 0.5-3.1%). Five specific exclusion criteria performed with perfect sensitivity: conference abstract, ineligible age group, case report/series, not human research, and review article. In the derivation set, the five algorithms achieved a loss of sensitivity ranging from 0.0 to 1.9% and work-saved ranging from 14.8 to 39.1%. In the validation set, the loss of sensitivity for all 5 algorithms remained below 2.6%, with work-saved between 10.5% and 48.2%. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that targeted application of single-reviewer screening, considering both type and number of exclusion criteria, could retain sensitivity and significantly decrease workload. Further research is required to investigate the potential for combining this approach with crowdsourcing or machine learning methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nassr Nama
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mirna Hennawy
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nick Barrowman
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L1, Canada.,Clinical Research Unit, CHEO Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Katie O'Hearn
- Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Margaret Sampson
- Clinical Research Unit, CHEO Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - James Dayre McNally
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L1, Canada.
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Gudi N, Mahmood A, Roy MP, Ravishankar, Nayak P, Verma A. Burden of COPD among population above 30 years in India: protocol for a systematic review and proposed meta-analysis. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY THERAPY : CJRT = REVUE CANADIENNE DE LA THERAPIE RESPIRATOIRE : RCTR 2021; 57:14-17. [PMID: 33542948 PMCID: PMC7850165 DOI: 10.29390/cjrt-2020-040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Sustainable Development Goals and the National Health Policy of India aim to reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCD) by one-third in the next decade and by 25% by 2025, respectively. Among NCDs globally, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major contributor to death and disability. This underscores the need to understand the burden of COPD at the national level by synthesizing evidence and collating the state-wise COPD data to estimate the prevalence of COPD and to highlight the associated risk factors to inform policymakers. METHOD The systematic literature search will be carried out in PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ProQuest databases with restrictions for studies published between 2000 and 2020 and available in English. Cross-sectional or cohort studies conducted in and among the Indian population aged 30 years and above will be included. Case reports, randomized trials, meta-analysis, commentaries, and qualitative studies will be excluded from the review. Quality assessment of the included studies will be performed using New Castle Ottawa scale and adherence to reporting standards will be checked using STROBE checklist for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. DISCUSSION Prevalence of COPD in the population aged 30 years and above, diagnosed through spirometry and nonspirometry, will be compared and reported and a meta-analysis will be performed to obtain pooled prevalence rates of COPD and the risk factors associated with COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nachiket Gudi
- Department of Health Policy, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Amreen Mahmood
- Department of Physiotherapy. Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Karnataka, India
| | - Manas Pratim Roy
- Deputy Assistant Director General (NCD), Directorate General of Health Services, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravishankar
- Department of Data Science, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Pradeepa Nayak
- Department of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Health Professions, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka
| | - Ashwani Verma
- Evidence Synthesis Specialist, Campbell South Asia, Global Development Network, 2nd Floor, West Wing, ISID Complex, Plot No4, Vasant Kunj Institutional Area, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, Delhi 110070, India; PhD Research Scholar, DIT University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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Rapid reviews: A critical perspective. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR EVIDENZ FORTBILDUNG UND QUALITAET IM GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2020; 158-159:22-27. [PMID: 33229254 DOI: 10.1016/j.zefq.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high scientific uncertainty of many far-reaching and serious political decisions during the "coronavirus crisis" underpins the enormous importance of having evidence syntheses that are quickly available and at the same time reliable. As these requirements can only be insufficiently fulfilled by systematic reviews due to the high amount of time required, abbreviated evidence syntheses in the form of rapid reviews are becoming increasingly popular. PURPOSE This commentary aims to enhance methodological and methodical discussions and research about abbreviated evidence syntheses. METHODS A selective literature search and evaluation focussing on research dealing with rapid reviews. RESULTS In rapid reviews, a wide variety of methods can be used to speed up the process of literature search and evaluation, while at the same time maintaining the principles of methodological quality and transparent reporting. But do rapid reviews currently keep what they promise? We discuss the increasing trend towards rapid reviews, giving the currently available evidence on the topic some critical reflection. Following this discussion, we will finally derive demands that go beyond the topic of rapid reviews alone.
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Garritty C, Gartlehner G, Nussbaumer-Streit B, King VJ, Hamel C, Kamel C, Affengruber L, Stevens A. Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group offers evidence-informed guidance to conduct rapid reviews. J Clin Epidemiol 2020; 130:13-22. [PMID: 33068715 PMCID: PMC7557165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop methods guidance to support the conduct of rapid reviews (RRs) produced within Cochrane and beyond, in response to requests for timely evidence syntheses for decision-making purposes including urgent health issues of high priority. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING Interim recommendations were informed by a scoping review of the underlying evidence, primary methods studies conducted, and a survey sent to 119 representatives from 20 Cochrane entities, who were asked to rate and rank RR methods across stages of review conduct. Discussions among those with expertise in RR methods further informed the list of recommendations with accompanying rationales provided. RESULTS Based on survey results from 63 respondents (53% response rate), 26 RR methods recommendations are presented for which there was a high or moderate level of agreement or scored highest in the absence of such agreement. Where possible, how recommendations align with Cochrane methods guidance for systematic reviews is highlighted. CONCLUSION The Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group offers new, interim guidance to support the conduct of RRs. Because best practice is limited by the lack of currently available evidence for some RR methods shortcuts taken, this guidance will need to be updated as additional abbreviated methods are evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle Garritty
- Knowledge Synthesis Group, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada; TRIBE Graduate Program, University of Split School of Medicine, Croatia.
| | - Gerald Gartlehner
- Cochrane Austria, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria; RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Valerie J King
- The Center for Evidence-based Policy, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Candyce Hamel
- Knowledge Synthesis Group, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada; TRIBE Graduate Program, University of Split School of Medicine, Croatia
| | | | - Lisa Affengruber
- Cochrane Austria, Danube University Krems, Krems a.d. Donau, Austria
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Hamel C, Michaud A, Thuku M, Affengruber L, Skidmore B, Nussbaumer-Streit B, Stevens A, Garritty C. Few evaluative studies exist examining rapid review methodology across stages of conduct: a systematic scoping review. J Clin Epidemiol 2020; 126:131-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Moore L, Tardif PA, Lauzier F, Bérubé M, Archambault P, Lamontagne F, Chassé M, Stelfox HT, Gabbe B, Lecky F, Kortbeek J, Lessard Bonaventure P, Truchon C, Turgeon AF. Low-Value Clinical Practices in Adult Traumatic Brain Injury: An Umbrella Review. J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:2605-2615. [PMID: 32791886 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous interventions and treatment options, the outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) have improved little over the last 3 decades, which raises concern about the value of care in this patient population. We aimed to synthesize the evidence on 14 potentially low-value clinical practices in TBI care. Using umbrella review methodology, we identified systematic reviews evaluating the effectiveness of 14 potentially low-value practices in adults with acute TBI. We present data on methodological quality (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews), reported effect sizes, and credibility of evidence (I to IV). The only clinical practice with evidence of benefit was therapeutic hypothermia (credibility of evidence II to IV). However, the most recent meta-analysis on hypothermia based on high-quality trials suggested harm (credibility of evidence IV). Meta-analyses on platelet transfusion for patients on antiplatelet therapy were all consistent with harm but were statistically non-significant. For the following practices, effect estimates were consistently close to the null: computed tomography (CT) in adults with mild TBI who are low-risk on a validated clinical decision rule; repeat CT in adults with mild TBI on anticoagulant therapy with no clinical deterioration; antibiotic prophylaxis for external ventricular drain placement; and decompressive craniectomy for refractory intracranial hypertension. We identified five clinical practices with evidence of lack of benefit or harm. However, evidence could not be considered to be strong for any clinical practice as effect measures were imprecise and heterogeneous, systematic reviews were often of low quality, and most included studies had a high risk of bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne Moore
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada.,Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Pier-Alexandre Tardif
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - François Lauzier
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada.,Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Melanie Bérubé
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada.,Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Patrick Archambault
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - François Lamontagne
- Department of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Michael Chassé
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal CRCHUM, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Henry T Stelfox
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine, Medicine, and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Belinda Gabbe
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Lecky
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - John Kortbeek
- Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paule Lessard Bonaventure
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Truchon
- Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexis F Turgeon
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada.,Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Kairuz CA, Casanelia LM, Bennett-Brook K, Coombes J, Yadav UN. Impact of racism and discrimination on the physical and mental health among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Australia: a protocol for a scoping review. Syst Rev 2020; 9:223. [PMID: 32988412 PMCID: PMC7523079 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-020-01480-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racism is increasingly recognised internationally as a key factor contributing to health disparities. A comprehensive body of strong research from international authors has reported negative associations between racism and health outcomes. In Australia, although the literature is more limited, available findings follow global trends. Australia has an identified health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous Australians, and despite efforts to bridge this gap, health inequities continue to exist. This scoping review aims to assess, analyse and synthesise the relationship between racism and discrimination on the physical and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Australia. METHOD This is the study protocol for a scoping review. A systematic search will be conducted using five electronic databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science and the Australia's National Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research. The database search will include studies published between 2000 and 2020. Reference lists of the included articles will be searched. Outcome measures will include physical and mental health components including chronic conditions, depression and anxiety, psychological distress, social and emotional difficulties, suicide and health-related outcomes such as wellbeing and life satisfaction. Duplications will be removed, and titles and abstracts will be reviewed to select studies. Full-text screening of preselected studies will be performed by four reviewers independently, to select studies according to inclusion criteria. Included studies will be appraised for quality using appropriate tools tailored for each study design. Data will be extracted, and study findings and characteristics synthesised in a narrative summary. DISCUSSION Our scoping review will synthesise the evidence on the impacts of racism and discrimination in relation to the physical and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Australia. These findings could guide future health interventions by addressing the exposure of racism and racial discrimination in order to reduce health disparity. It is anticipated the findings to be of interest to policymakers, researchers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and community health organisations and other stakeholders interested in optimising public health interventions for and in partnership with Aboriginal and Strait Torres Islander communities of Australia. SCOPING REVIEW REGISTRATION The protocol for this review has been registered on the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO). The registration ID is CRD42020186193 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila A Kairuz
- Department of Public Health, Torrens University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa M Casanelia
- Department of Public Health, Torrens University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Uday Narayan Yadav
- Department of Public Health, Torrens University, Sydney, Australia.
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
- School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
- Forum for Health Research and Development, Dharan, Nepal.
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Ewald H, Klerings I, Wagner G, Heise TL, Dobrescu AI, Armijo-Olivo S, Stratil JM, Lhachimi SK, Mittermayr T, Gartlehner G, Nussbaumer-Streit B, Hemkens LG. Abbreviated and comprehensive literature searches led to identical or very similar effect estimates: a meta-epidemiological study. J Clin Epidemiol 2020; 128:1-12. [PMID: 32781114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to assess the agreement of treatment effect estimates from meta-analyses based on abbreviated or comprehensive literature searches. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING This was a meta-epidemiological study. We abbreviated 47 comprehensive Cochrane review searches and searched MEDLINE/Embase/CENTRAL alone, in combination, with/without checking references (658 new searches). We compared one meta-analysis from each review with recalculated ones based on abbreviated searches. RESULTS The 47 original meta-analyses included 444 trials (median 6 per review [interquartile range (IQR) 3-11]) with 360045 participants (median 1,371 per review [IQR 685-8,041]). Depending on the search approach, abbreviated searches led to identical effect estimates in 34-79% of meta-analyses, to different effect estimates with the same direction and level of statistical significance in 15-51%, and to opposite effects (or effects could not be estimated anymore) in 6-13%. The deviation of effect sizes was zero in 50% of the meta-analyses and in 75% not larger than 1.07-fold. Effect estimates of abbreviated searches were not consistently smaller or larger (median ratio of odds ratio 1 [IQR 1-1.01]) but more imprecise (1.02-1.06-fold larger standard errors). CONCLUSION Abbreviated literature searches often led to identical or very similar effect estimates as comprehensive searches with slightly increased confidence intervals. Relevant deviations may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Ewald
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University Medical Library, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Irma Klerings
- Cochrane Austria, Department of Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Gernot Wagner
- Cochrane Austria, Department of Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Thomas L Heise
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology (BIPS), Bremen, Germany; Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Andreea Iulia Dobrescu
- Cochrane Austria, Department of Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Susan Armijo-Olivo
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta & Institute of Health Economics, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Jan M Stratil
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Pettenkofer School of Public Health, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan K Lhachimi
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology (BIPS), Bremen, Germany; Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research (IPP), Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Gerald Gartlehner
- Cochrane Austria, Department of Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria; RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Barbara Nussbaumer-Streit
- Cochrane Austria, Department of Evidence-based Medicine and Evaluation, Danube University Krems, Krems, Austria
| | - Lars G Hemkens
- Department of Clinical Research, Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Konno K, Pullin AS. Assessing the risk of bias in choice of search sources for environmental meta-analyses. Res Synth Methods 2020; 11:698-713. [PMID: 32618107 DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.1433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Results of meta-analyses are potentially valuable for informing environmental policy and practice decisions. However, selective sampling of primary studies through searches exclusively using widely used bibliographic platform(s) could bias estimates of effect sizes. Such search strategies are common in environmental evidence reviews, and if risk of bias can be detected, this would provide the first empirical evidence that comprehensiveness of searches needs to be improved. We compare the impact of using single and multiple bibliographic platform(s) searches vs more comprehensive searches on estimates of mean effect sizes. We used 137 published meta-analyses, based on multiple source searches, analyzing 9388 studies: 8095 sourced from commercially published articles; and 1293 from grey literature and unpublished data. Single-platform and multiple-platform searches missed studies in 100 and 80 of the meta-analyses, respectively: 52 and 46 meta-analyses provided larger-effect estimates; 32 and 28 meta-analyses provided smaller-effect estimates; eight and four meta-analyses provided opposite direction of estimates; and two each were unable to estimate effects due to missing all studies. Further, we found significant positive log-linear relationships between proportions of studies missed and the deviations of mean effect sizes, suggesting that as the number of studies missed increases, deviation of mean effect size is likely to expand. We also found significant differences in mean effect sizes between indexed and non-indexed studies for 35% of meta-analyses, indicating high risk of bias when the searches were restricted. We conclude that the restricted searches are likely to lead to unrepresentative samples of studies and biased estimates of true effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Konno
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd, UK
| | - Andrew S Pullin
- Centre for Evidence-based Conservation, School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd, UK
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Tricco AC, Garritty CM, Boulos L, Lockwood C, Wilson M, McGowan J, McCaul M, Hutton B, Clement F, Mittmann N, Devane D, Langlois EV, Abou-Setta AM, Houghton C, Glenton C, Kelly SE, Welch VA, LeBlanc A, Wells GA, Pham B, Lewin S, Straus SE. Rapid review methods more challenging during COVID-19: commentary with a focus on 8 knowledge synthesis steps. J Clin Epidemiol 2020; 126:177-183. [PMID: 32615209 PMCID: PMC7836683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Tricco
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, 209 Victoria Street, East Building, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada; Epidemiology Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health and Institute for Health, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 6th Floor, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada; Queen's Collaboration for Health Care Quality Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, School of Nursing, Queen's University, 92 Barrie Street, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Chantelle M Garritty
- Knowledge Synthesis Group, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Co-Convenor, Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Leah Boulos
- Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit, 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 1V7, Canada
| | - Craig Lockwood
- JBI, School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Level 3/55 King William Street, Adelaide, Australia; Queens University, School of Nursing, 99 University Avenue, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Michael Wilson
- McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, MML-417, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L6, Canada; Department of Health Evidence and Impact, McMaster University Medical Centre, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, CRL Building 282, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jessie McGowan
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Alta Vista Campus, 101-600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario K1G5Z3, Canada
| | - Michael McCaul
- Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Brian Hutton
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute; University of Ottawa School of Epidemiology and Public Health, 1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada
| | - Fiona Clement
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3rd Floor, TRW Building, 3280 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N6, Canada
| | - Nicole Mittmann
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, 154 University Avenue, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3Y9, Canada; Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St 4th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Declan Devane
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, Evidence Synthesis Ireland, 26 Upper Newcastle, Galway, H91 E3YV Ireland
| | - Etienne V Langlois
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH), World Health Organization (WHO), 20 Avenue Appia, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ahmed M Abou-Setta
- George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 367-753 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0T6, Canada
| | - Catherine Houghton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland Galway, 26 Upper Newcastle, Galway, H91 E3YV Ireland
| | - Claire Glenton
- Cochrane EPOC, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, N-0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Shannon E Kelly
- Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4W7, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Alta Vista Campus, 101-600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario K1G5Z3, Canada
| | - Vivian A Welch
- Bruyère Research Institute, 85 Primrose Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6M1, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 75 Laurier Avenue E, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Annie LeBlanc
- VITAM Research Center in Sustainable Health, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Ferdinand Vandry Pavillon, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - George A Wells
- Cardiovascular Research Methods Centre, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4W7, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Alta Vista Campus, 101-600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario K1G5Z3, Canada
| | - Ba' Pham
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, 209 Victoria Street, East Building, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Simon Lewin
- Cochrane EPOC, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway and Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sharon E Straus
- Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, 209 Victoria Street, East Building, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada; Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Toronto, 27 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A1, Canada
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Xu C, Li L, Lin L, Chu H, Thabane L, Zou K, Sun X. Exclusion of studies with no events in both arms in meta-analysis impacted the conclusions. J Clin Epidemiol 2020; 123:91-99. [PMID: 32247025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Classical meta-analyses routinely treated studies with no events in both arms noninformative and excluded them from analyses. This study assessed whether such studies contain information and have an influence on the conclusions of meta-analyses. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We collected meta-analyses of binary outcomes with at least one study having no events in both arms from Cochrane systematic reviews (2003-2018). We used the generalized linear mixed model to reanalyze these meta-analyses by two approaches: one including studies with no events in both arms and one excluding such studies. The magnitude and direction of odds ratio (OR), P value, and width of 95% confidence interval (CI) were compared. A simulation study was conducted to examine the robustness of results. RESULTS We identified 442 meta-analyses. In comparing paired meta-analyses that included studies with no events in both arms vs. those not, 8 (1.80%) resulted in different directions on OR; 41 (9.28%) altered conclusions on statistical significance. Substantial changes occurred on P value (55.66% increased and 44.12% decreased) and the width of 95% CI (50.68% inflated and 49.32% declined) when excluding studies with no events. Simulation study confirmed these findings. CONCLUSION Studies with no events in both arms are not necessarily noninformative. Excluding such studies may alter conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Xu
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center & Cochrane China, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Li
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center & Cochrane China, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lifeng Lin
- Department of Statistics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Haitao Chu
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada; Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O'Sullivan Research Centre, St Joseph's Healthcare, 3rd Floor, Martha Wing, Room H-325, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Kang Zou
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center & Cochrane China, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center & Cochrane China, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks: Rank Fusion applied to Coordination Level Matching for Ranking in Systematic Reviews. LECTURE NOTES IN COMPUTER SCIENCE 2020. [PMCID: PMC7148218 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45439-5_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Coordination level matching is a ranking method originally proposed to rank documents given Boolean queries that is now several decades old. Rank fusion is a relatively recent method for combining runs from multiple systems into a single ranking, and has been shown to significantly improve the ranking. This paper presents a novel extension to coordination level matching, by applying rank fusion to each sub-clause of a Boolean query. We show that, for the tasks of systematic review screening prioritisation and stopping estimation, our method significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art learning to rank and bag-of-words-based systems for this domain. Our fully automatic, unsupervised method has (i) the potential for significant real-world cost savings (ii) does not rely on any intervention from the user, and (iii) is significantly better at ranking documents given only a Boolean query in the context of systematic reviews when compared to other approaches.
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Norman CR, Leeflang MMG, Porcher R, Névéol A. Measuring the impact of screening automation on meta-analyses of diagnostic test accuracy. Syst Rev 2019; 8:243. [PMID: 31661028 PMCID: PMC6819363 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-019-1162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The large and increasing number of new studies published each year is making literature identification in systematic reviews ever more time-consuming and costly. Technological assistance has been suggested as an alternative to the conventional, manual study identification to mitigate the cost, but previous literature has mainly evaluated methods in terms of recall (search sensitivity) and workload reduction. There is a need to also evaluate whether screening prioritization methods leads to the same results and conclusions as exhaustive manual screening. In this study, we examined the impact of one screening prioritization method based on active learning on sensitivity and specificity estimates in systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy. METHODS We simulated the screening process in 48 Cochrane reviews of diagnostic test accuracy and re-run 400 meta-analyses based on a least 3 studies. We compared screening prioritization (with technological assistance) and screening in randomized order (standard practice without technology assistance). We examined if the screening could have been stopped before identifying all relevant studies while still producing reliable summary estimates. For all meta-analyses, we also examined the relationship between the number of relevant studies and the reliability of the final estimates. RESULTS The main meta-analysis in each systematic review could have been performed after screening an average of 30% of the candidate articles (range 0.07 to 100%). No systematic review would have required screening more than 2308 studies, whereas manual screening would have required screening up to 43,363 studies. Despite an average 70% recall, the estimation error would have been 1.3% on average, compared to an average 2% estimation error expected when replicating summary estimate calculations. CONCLUSION Screening prioritization coupled with stopping criteria in diagnostic test accuracy reviews can reliably detect when the screening process has identified a sufficient number of studies to perform the main meta-analysis with an accuracy within pre-specified tolerance limits. However, many of the systematic reviews did not identify a sufficient number of studies that the meta-analyses were accurate within a 2% limit even with exhaustive manual screening, i.e., using current practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Norman
- LIMSI, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, Rue du Belvedère, Orsay, 91405 France
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ the Netherlands
| | - Mariska M. G. Leeflang
- Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ the Netherlands
| | - Raphaël Porcher
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôtel Dieu Hospital; Team METHODS, CRESS, INSERM U1153; University Paris Descartes, 1 place du Parvis Notre-Dame, Paris, 75004 France
| | - Aurélie Névéol
- LIMSI, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, Rue du Belvedère, Orsay, 91405 France
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47
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Tardif PA, Moore L, Lauzier F, Farhat I, Archambault P, Lamontagne F, Chassé M, Stelfox HT, Gabbe BJ, Lecky F, Kortbeek J, Lessard-Bonaventure P, Truchon C, Turgeon AF. Low-value clinical practices in adult traumatic brain injury: an umbrella review protocol. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e031747. [PMID: 31601599 PMCID: PMC6797405 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to 50 000 deaths, 85 000 disabilities and costs $60 billion each year in the USA. Despite numerous interventions and treatment options, the outcomes of TBI have improved little over the last three decades. In a previous scoping review and expert consultation survey, we identified 13 potentially low-value clinical practices in acute TBI. The objective of this umbrella review is to synthesise the evidence on potentially low-value clinical practices in the care of acute TBI. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Using umbrella review methodology, we will search Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Epistemonikos, International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and PubMed to identify systematic reviews evaluating the effect of potential intrahospital low-value practices using tailored population, intervention, comparator, outcome and study design questions based on the results of a previous scoping review. We will present data on the methodological quality of these reviews (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2), reported effect sizes and strength of evidence (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval is not required as original data will not be collected. Knowledge users from five healthcare quality organisations and clinical associations are involved in the design and conduct of the study. Results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal, at international scientific meetings and to clinical, healthcare quality and patient-partner associations. This work will support the development of metrics to measure the use of low-value practices, inform policy makers on potential targets for deimplementation and in the long term reduce the use of low-value clinical practices in acute TBI care. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019132428.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier-Alexandre Tardif
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lynne Moore
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université Laval, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - François Lauzier
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Imen Farhat
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventative Medicine, Université Laval, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Patrick Archambault
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Département de médecine familiale et médecine d'urgence, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Francois Lamontagne
- Department of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael Chassé
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Henry Thomas Stelfox
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine, Medicine and Community Health Sciences, O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Belinda J Gabbe
- Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Farr Institute, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Fiona Lecky
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - John Kortbeek
- Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paule Lessard-Bonaventure
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Catherine Truchon
- Institut national d'excellence en santé et en services sociaux du Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alexis F Turgeon
- Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Unit, Trauma-Emergency-Critical Care Medicine, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus), Université Laval, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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Wolffe TAM, Whaley P, Halsall C, Rooney AA, Walker VR. Systematic evidence maps as a novel tool to support evidence-based decision-making in chemicals policy and risk management. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104871. [PMID: 31254867 PMCID: PMC7189619 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While systematic review (SR) methods are gaining traction as a method for providing a reliable summary of existing evidence for health risks posed by exposure to chemical substances, it is becoming clear that their value is restricted to a specific range of risk management scenarios - in particular, those which can be addressed with tightly focused questions and can accommodate the time and resource requirements of a systematic evidence synthesis. METHODS The concept of a systematic evidence map (SEM) is defined and contrasted to the function and limitations of systematic review (SR) in the context of risk management decision-making. The potential for SEMs to facilitate evidence-based decision-making are explored using a hypothetical example in risk management priority-setting. The potential role of SEMs in reference to broader risk management workflows is characterised. RESULTS SEMs are databases of systematically gathered research which characterise broad features of the evidence base. Although not intended to substitute for the evidence synthesis element of systematic reviews, SEMs provide a comprehensive, queryable summary of a large body of policy relevant research. They provide an evidence-based approach to characterising the extent of available evidence and support forward looking predictions or trendspotting in the chemical risk sciences. In particular, SEMs facilitate the identification of related bodies of decision critical chemical risk information which could be further analysed using SR methods, and highlight gaps in the evidence which could be addressed with additional primary studies to reduce uncertainties in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS SEMs have strong and growing potential as a high value tool in resource efficient use of existing research in chemical risk management. They can be used as a critical precursor to efficient deployment of high quality SR methods for characterising chemical health risks. Furthermore, SEMs have potential, at a large scale, to support the sort of evidence summarisation and surveillance methods which would greatly increase the resource efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of regulatory initiatives such as EU REACH and US TSCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor A M Wolffe
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK; Yordas Group, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
| | - Paul Whaley
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK; Evidence-Based Toxicology Collaboration, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Crispin Halsall
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Andrew A Rooney
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Vickie R Walker
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Wang L, Rouse B, Marks-Anglin A, Duan R, Shi Q, Quach K, Chen Y, Cameron C, Schmid CH, Li T. Rapid network meta-analysis using data from Food and Drug Administration approval packages is feasible but with limitations. J Clin Epidemiol 2019; 114:84-94. [PMID: 31226413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test rapid approaches that use Drugs@FDA (a public database of approved drugs) and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify trials and to compare these two sources with bibliographic databases as an evidence base for a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING We searched bibliographic databases, Drugs@FDA, and ClinicalTrials.gov for eligible trials on first-line glaucoma medications. We extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and examined the completeness and consistency of information provided by different sources. We fitted random-effects NMA models separately for trials identified from each source and for all unique trials from three sources. RESULTS We identified 138 unique trials including 29,394 participants on 15 first-line glaucoma medications. For a given trial, information reported was sometimes inconsistent across data sources. Journal articles provided the most information needed for a systematic review; trial registrations provided the least. Compared to an NMA including all unique trials, we were able to generate reasonably precise effect estimates and similar relative rankings for available interventions using trials from Drugs@FDA alone (but not ClinicalTrials.gov). CONCLUSIONS A rapid NMA approach using data from Drugs@FDA is feasible but has its own limitations. Reporting of trial design and results can be improved in both the drug approval packages and on ClinicalTrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Rouse
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arielle Marks-Anglin
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rui Duan
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Qiyuan Shi
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin Quach
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher Cameron
- Department of Data Analytics and Evidence Synthesis, Cornerstone Research Group Inc., Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher H Schmid
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Tianjing Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Arevalo-Rodriguez I, Tricco AC, Steingart KR, Nussbaumer-Streit B, Kaunelis D, Alonso-Coello P, Baxter S, Bossuyt PM, Zamora J. Challenges of rapid reviews for diagnostic test accuracy questions: a protocol for an international survey and expert consultation. Diagn Progn Res 2019; 3:7. [PMID: 31093577 PMCID: PMC6460809 DOI: 10.1186/s41512-019-0052-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of diagnostic tests, broadly defined as any element that aids in the collection of additional information for further clarification of a patient's health status, has increasingly become a critical issue in health policy and decision-making. Diagnostic evidence, including the accuracy of a medical test for a target condition, is commonly appraised using standard systematic review methodology. Owing to the considerable time and resources required to conduct these, rapid reviews have emerged as a pragmatic alternative by tailoring methods according to the decision maker's circumstances. However, it is not known if streamlining methodological aspects has an impact on the validity of evidence synthesis. Furthermore, due to the particular nature and complexity of the appraisal of diagnostic accuracy, there is need for detailed guidance on how to conduct rapid reviews of diagnostic tests. In this study, we aim to identify the methods currently used by rapid review developers to synthesize evidence on diagnostic test accuracy, as well as to analyze potential shortcomings and challenges related to these methods. METHODS We will carry out a two-fold approach: (1) an international survey of professionals working in organizations that develop rapid reviews of diagnostic tests, in terms of the methods and resources used by these agencies when conducting rapid reviews, and (2) semi-structured interviews with senior-level individuals to further explore and validate the findings from the survey and to identify challenges in conducting rapid reviews. We will use STATA 15.0 for quantitative analyses and framework analysis for qualitative analyses. We will ensure protection of data during all stages. DISCUSSION The main result of this research will be a map of methods and resources currently used for conducting rapid reviews of diagnostic test accuracy, as well as methodological shortcomings and potential solutions in diagnostic knowledge synthesis that require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Arevalo-Rodriguez
- Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Ramon y Cajal (IRYCIS), CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea C. Tricco
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital. Epidemiology Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Queen’s Collaboration for Health Care Quality, Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Karen R. Steingart
- Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - David Kaunelis
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Pablo Alonso-Coello
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Center-Servicio de Epidemiología Clínica y Salud Pública, Biomedical Research Institute (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susan Baxter
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Patrick M. Bossuyt
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Javier Zamora
- Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Ramon y Cajal (IRYCIS), CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
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