Patole S. (ed.) Principles and Practice of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis

Cham: Springer, 2021. — 189 p.Evidence-based medicine is at the core of modern medicine. It involves the integration of individual clinical expertise with the best available clinical evidence from systematic research and patient values and expectations. Systematic reviews offer a summary of the best available evidence. They are the most reliable and comprehensive statement about what works.Written by clinical academics from Australia, UK, USA, and Switzerland, this contributed volume introduces the readers to the principles and practice of systematic reviews and meta-analysis. It covers the various steps involved in systematic reviews including the development of a focused question and the strategy for conducting a comprehensive literature search, identifying studies addressing the underlying question, assessment of heterogeneity and the risk of bias in the included studies, data extraction, and the approach to meta-analysis. Crucial issues such as selecting the model for meta-analysis, generating and interpreting forest plots, assessing the risk of publication bias, cautions in the interpretation of subgroup and sensitivity analyses, rating certainty of the evidence using GRADE guideline, and standardized reporting of meta-analysis (PRISMA) are covered in detail. Every attempt is made to keep the narrative simple and clear. Mathematical formulae are avoided as much as possible.While the focus of this book is on systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the gold standard of clinical research, the essentials of systematic reviews of non-RCTs, diagnostic test accuracy studies, animal studies, individual participant data meta-analysis, and network meta-analysis are also covered.Readers from all faculties of medicine will enjoy this comprehensive and reader-friendly book to understand the principles and practice of systematic reviews and meta-analysis for guiding their clinical practice and research.Systematic Reviews, Meta-Analysis, and Evidence-Based Medicine.
Abstract.Narrative Reviews.
Systematic Reviews.
A Brief History of Systematic Reviews.
What Does Systematic Review Involve?
Why Do We Need Systematic Reviews?
What Are the Principles of Systematic Reviews?
What Is a Meta-Analysis?
A Brief History of Meta-Analyzes.Literature Search for Systematic Reviews.
Abstract.MEDLINE.
Searching MEDLINE Through PubMed.
Embase (Excerpta Medica Database).
Emcare (Nursing and Allied Health).
Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL).
Cochrane Library.
Contents of the Cochrane Library.
Grey Literature.
Non-English Literature.
Google Scholar.
Clinical Trial Registries.Assessing and Exploring Heterogeneity.
Abstract.Clinical Heterogeneity.
Methodological Heterogeneity.
Conceptual Heterogeneity.
Statistical Heterogeneity.
Measuring Statistical Heterogeneity.
Dealing with Statistical Heterogeneity.Assessment of the Risk of Bias.
Abstract.Trials Where Blinding Is Difficult.
Difference Between Blinding and Allocation Concealment.
Areas of Debate.
Guidelines for Systematic Reviewers to Assess ROB in the Included Studies.Assessment of Publication Bias.
Abstract.How to Assess Publication Bias.
Funnel Plot.
Egger’s Test.
Begg and Mazumdar Rank Correlation Test.
Dealing with Publication Bias.Data Extraction from Included Studies.
Abstract.Which Data to Extract?
How to Minimize Errors in Data Extraction.
Sources to Obtain Data.
Where to Enter the Data.
Automating Data Extraction.Fixed and Random-Effects Models for Meta-Analysis.
Abstract.Fixed Effect Model.
Random Effects Model.Forest Plots in a Meta-Analysis.
Abstract.Generating the Forest Plot.
What Is a Forest Plot?
FEM Vs REM for Meta-Analysis.
The Chi-squared statistic.
The I-Squared Statistic.
What is Tau2?
Assessment and Interpretation of the Forest Plot.Sensitivity and Subgroup Analyzes.
Abstract.Sensitivity Analysis.
Scope for Sensitivity Analysis in a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Conducting Sensitivity Analysis.
Issues After Sensitivity Analysis.
Reporting of Sensitivity Analysis.
Example of a Sensitivity Analysis.
Subgroup Analysis.
What Is Involved In Subgroup Analyzes?
What are the Types of Subgroup Analyzes?
What is Data Mining and Data Dredging in Subgroup Analyzes?
Subgroup Analysis in Clinical Trials and Meta-analysis.
Strategies for Optimizing Subgroups.
Interpreting the Results of Subgroup Analyzes.
Examples of a Subgroup Analysis.
Sensitivity Versus Subgroup Analyzes.Rating Certainty of the Evidence Using GRADE Guidelines.
Abstract.GRADE Levels of Evidence.
Risk of Bias (ROB).
Inconsistency (Heterogeneity).
Indirectness.
Imprecision.
Publication/Reporting Bias.
Summary of Findings Table.Reporting of Meta-Analysis (PRISMA).
Abstract.History of PRISMA.
PRISMA Checklist.
Sections/Topics and Checklist Items.Methods.
Results.
Discussion.Critical Appraisal of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes.
Abstract.Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes of Non-randomised Studies.
Abstract.Conducting a Systematic Review of Non-RCTs.
Data Extraction.
Assessment of Risk of Bias in Non-RCTs.
Data Synthesis.
Important Issues in Presentation and Interpretation of Results.
Critical Appraisal of Systematic Reviews of Non-rCTs.Individual Participant Data (IPD) Meta-Analysis.
Abstract.Individual Participant Data (IPD).
Limitations of AD Meta-Analyzes.
Advantages of IPD Meta-Analysis.
Methods.
Reporting.
Results of IPD Versus AD Meta-Analysis.
Limitations and Challenges.Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy.
Abstract.Introduction to Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.
Roadmap for Performing a DTA Systematic Review.
Summary and Conclusions.Network Meta-Analysis.
Abstract.Key Assumptions and Concepts in NMA.Systematic Reviews of Animal Studies.
Abstract.The Need for Systematic Reviews of Animal Research.
The Concept of 3Rs: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement.
Cumulative Meta-Analysis for Achieving ‘Reduction’ Component of the 3Rs.
Establishment of SYRCLE, ARRIVE Guidelines, and the GSPC.
Reducing the Number of Animals Needed for a Study.
Current Issues with Animal Studies.
Benefits of Systematic Reviews in Animal Models.
Methods.
Accurate Sample Size Calculation.
Reporting.
Assessing the Quality of Evidence Using GRADE.
Overcoming Limitations of Preclinical Studies.
Key Messages.