Objectives: This workshop aims to show review authors and editors how to search for evidence on adverse effects (not only from RCTs but also from other sources) and to review it systematically.

Description: Many systematic reviews of the evidence on the value of an intervention consider only the evidence on its effectiveness, ie its benefits, without systematically reviewing the evidence on negative effects it may have. This as an important source of bias in the conclusions of reviews, and the next edition of the Handbook will include a section on how to set about including adverse effects in reviews.
The workshop aims to show review authors and editors how to search for evidence on adverse effects (not only from RCTs but also from other sources) and to review it systematically, using the recommendations* from the Adverse Events Subgroup of the Non-Randomised Studies Methods Group. The approach can be used with both drug and non-drug interventions.
Review authors who have tried or are trying to apply these guidelines to different types of reviews will share and discuss their experiences in the workshop. Others working on a review are especially invited to take part and talk briefly about the issues they face, and if possible to contact the facilitator before the workshop to arrange this.
The latest version of the recommendations is accessible now at
http://www.dsru.org/mboard/mboard.php.

Target audience: Editors, review authors and Trials Search Co-ordinators

Style: Discussion workshop