Interpreting results of Cochrane reviews, applying GRADE and creating ‘Summary of Findings’ tables

Article type
Authors
Santesso N1, Schunemann H2, Brozek J3
1Applicability and Recommendations Methods Group, Consumers and Communication Review Group, Canada
2McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
3Applicability and Recommendations Methods Group, Canada
Abstract
Objectives:

To learn how to use GRADE to interpret findings and create a ‘Summary of Findings’ table. This workshop involves small group work, with groups led by workshop trainers.

Description:

The GRADE approach has been adopted by The Cochrane Collaboration to evaluate the quality of evidence (i.e. confidence in the estimates of effects) for outcomes reported in systematic reviews, interpret findings and draw conclusions. This information, together with the estimate of the size of the effect on each patient-important outcome, is presented in a ‘Summary of Findings’ (SoF) table. SoF tables should be included in a Cochrane review to improve understanding of key findings and enhance uptake of information. This workshop describes the GRADE criteria to assess the quality of evidence (risk of bias, indirectness, imprecision, inconsistency, publication and others) and the process to create a SoF table (choosing outcomes and comparisons, grading the quality of evidence, and presenting effects in user friendly format). Participants will then apply these concepts in small groups to create a sample SoF table and participate in feedback sessions that will help with further improving SoF tables.