Including equity in systematic reviews: Using the new PRISMA-Equity Extension reporting guidelines for reviews with a focus on equity

Article type
Authors
Tugwell P1, O’Neill J2, Welch V3, Petticrew M4, Grimshaw J5, Moher D5, Waters E6, White H7
1Campbell and Cochrane Equity Methods Group – Cochrane Musculoskeletal Group, Canada
2Campbell and Cochrane Equity Methods Group, Canada
3University of Ottawa, Canada
4London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
5Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada
6The University of Melbourne, Australia
7International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, India
Abstract
Objectives:

The workshop aims to introduce authors and researchers interested in equity to the new Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-Equity Extension for reporting systematic reviews (SRs) with a focus on equity, and relevant elements of the new Cochrane Handbook chapter on equity and special populations.

Description:

The PRISMA-Equity Extension is for SRs with equity as a major focus. We have defined these reviews as those that meet one of the following criteria: 1. the intervention is targeted at a disadvantaged population; 2. the intervention is aimed at reducing the social gradient in health across populations; or 3. the intervention is not aimed at reducing inequity but important equity effects are likely. We will present the PRISMA-Equity Extension development process, draft checklist, and a preview of the new Cochrane Handbook chapter on equity. Participants will work in small groups to discuss the new Handbook chapter and the PRISMA-Equity Extension. Groups will discuss the methods available for considering equity in example Cochrane SRs, how to report these transparently and challenges encountered while using the checklist. The outcomes of this workshop will be used to inform the new Handbook chapter and future development of the PRISMA-Equity Extension reporting guideline.