Development of a systematic review unit of the Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University in Brazil

Article type
Authors
El Dib R1, Rudge M1, Schellini S1, Barretti P1, Cataneo A1, Nogueira C1, Fecchi D1, Betini M1
1São Paulo State University, Brazil
Abstract
Background: One of the aims of the Botucatu Medical School (FMB) is to introduce the principles of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) to clinicians, physician residents, graduate and postgraduate medical students, and health professionals. The new model of self-education allows the production of systematic reviews and meta-analyses and to help in the design and conduction of randomized clinical trials at the FMB Clinical Hospital.

Objective: We present the development of a systematic review unit (SRU). Methods: A systematic review unit was established consisting of a scientist in EBM (RED) trained at McMaster University and worked in the Brazilian Cochrane Centre, two surgeons (SAS, AC), an information retrieval specialist (MB), three clinical physicians (MVR, PB, CRN), and one researcher (DF). Weekly meeting discussion of all members of the SRU is performed to access relevance prior to conducting a systematic review. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are conducted according to the principles of the Cochrane Collaboration and written based on the PRISMA statement. Furthermore, methodological studies are performed dealing with the problem of lack of clinical trials. All teachers, health professionals and students are welcome to perform systematic reviews. They are trained in EBM by workshops coordinated by Prof. Dr. Regina El Dib.

Results: 22 projects for systematic reviews are currently underway (six are registered in the Cochrane groups). Other three completed systematic reviews were done and one of them paved the way for the successful design and conduct of a pragmatic trial. This trial and review were funded by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq). The other two reviews were also funded by CNPq and by São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). Three clinical trials have been designed according to the reviews protocol.

Conclusions: A SRU increased the production of systematic reviews and clinical trials to help patients make healthcare decisions.