How to create a matrix of evidence in Epistemonikos

Article type
Authors
Rada G1, Peña J2, Capurro D2, Neumann I2, Rivera S2, Valverde F2, Soto M2, Pérez D2
1Epistemonikos
2Epistemonikos, Chile
Abstract
Objectives:
To present a new tool, Epistemonikos (www.epistemonikos.org), that allows a dynamic matrix of evidence to be created in just a few minutes for all existing systematic reviews (and their included studies) for a specific PICO question.

Description:
Epistemonikos searches for systematic reviews (SRs) in more than 20 databases and contains over 200,000 records, including 36,000 SRs, making it the biggest collection of identifiable SRs. One unique feature of Epistemonikos is that a network of collaborators extracts the list of included studies in each review. This allows Epistemonikos to cluster SRs based on the included studies they have in common, creating a table of all SRs that share at least one study and all the studies of these reviews combined. The table can be edited to include only the evidence pertinent to a specific PICO question, and the software can automatically notify when a new review or study for that question appears.

Through a combination of machine-based technologies and human collaboration it is also possible to identify studies that are not yet included in any systematic review.

Some of the potential uses of this matrix of evidence will complement the search and screening in overviews of reviews, rapid reviews and SRs; to help identify research gaps; and to decide when a review or overview should be updated.

This tool also establishes the foundations for living overviews of reviews and living systematic reviews.