Systematic literature reviews (SLRs) are the foundation of evidence-based healthcare. Explicit methods need to be implemented while conducting SLRs to minimize bias in order to provide more reliable findings, since reduction of bias may affect all steps of the review process. For instance, bias can occur while identifying/screening studies, selecting studies (e.g. due to unclear […]
Use of multiple databases together with additional search strategies is often suggested to search relevant references for systematic reviews. (1,2) For instance, the Cochrane Handbook recommends using at least MEDLINE and Cochrane Central as well as EMBASE, when available, to search randomized controlled trials (RCTs). (3) However, using multiple databases can be strenuous and time […]
Systematic literature reviews (SLRs) have always been amongst preferred tools for policy and decision makers owing to their quality of evidence as well as the ability to provide knowledge-base in terms of clinical practice guidelines as well as policy briefs. However, strict methodology followed during the conduct of an SLR can impact its duration, which […]
Systematic literature reviews (SLRs) are classically conducted with an aim of mapping the complete evidence base of a particular healthcare intervention, which enables an impartial evaluation of the evidence and lays the foundation for strong recommendations. The initial step in achieving this aim, while carrying out an SLR, is to conduct an extensive literature search […]
Today’s era of risk based, precision and personalized medicine demands clinical prediction models. Prediction modelling studies focus on two kinds of outcomes, viz. diagnosis (probability of a condition that is undetected) and prognosis (probability of developing a certain outcome in the future). (1,2) These studies develop, validate, or update a multivariable prediction model, wherein multiple […]
Network meta-analysis (NMA) is a type of meta-analysis that adds an additional variable to a meta-analysis, and instead of a simple summation of trials that have evaluated the same treatment, several different treatments are compared by statistical inference.1 NMA is also referred to as mixed treatments comparison or multiple treatments comparison meta-analysis.2,3,4 It was recognised […]
Traditionally, systematic reviews are considered as the gold standard to inform clinical practice and policy decisions. However, systematic reviews are resource and time intensive. The time factor has been identified as a barrier to implementing results from evidence synthesis, as a result of an incongruence between the time required to produce a full systematic review […]
