Objectives:
This workshop will present the current "state of the art" for systematic reviews of prognosis and prognostic factors, from question development to analysis. We will discuss the benefits, limitations and challenges of prognosis systematic reviews, including reviews incorporating individual patient data.
Summary:
Similar to systematic reviews of interventions, systematic reviews are important to inform evidence-based clinical management about prognosis and prognostic factors. Although basic principles to reduce bias and random error are similar to those used for intervention reviews, there are several challenges unique to systematic reviews of prognosis. For example, primary prognostic studies are often poorly designed, poorly reported, and are heterogeneous in factors such as cut-off levels. In this workshop we will discuss current challenges for prognosis systematic reviews, and highlight ongoing work to help limit some of the problems. This will include discussion about the quality of primary studies, and how individual patient data can facilitate a coherent meta-analysis. We will also identify the key steps of a prognosis systematic review and discuss future directions for prognostic research.
The workshop will include:
- Brief presentations
- Activities and opportunities for participant discussion about the benefits and limitations of different approaches and methods.