Identifying participants with missing outcome data in trials included in systematic reviews: challenges and suggested solutions

Article type
Authors
Akl E1, Kahale L2, Alonso P3, Ebrahim S4, Schuenemann H5, Guyatt G5
1American University of Beirut
2Cochrane Gynaecological and Orphan Cancer Group
3Iberoamerican Cochrane Center
4McMaster University & Stanford University
5McMaster University
Abstract
Objectives:
To discuss the challenges with identifying participants with missing outcome data in trials included in systematic reviews, and suggestions for how to deal with those challenges.

Description:
The workshop will consist of the following:
1. A presentation on the current standards for reporting on participants with missing outcome data by trialists, e.g. CONSORT statement (5 min).
2. An interactive presentation on the challenges met by systematic review authors when trying to identify participants with missing outcome data and potential ways to deal with these challenges (25 min). These challenges include: the reporting of missing data by participant and not by outcome; lack of clarity about whether certain participants (e.g. those who discontinued treatment) have missing outcome data; and the lack of clarity about how trialists dealt with participants with missing outcome data (e.g. whether they were included in the analysis and, if so, what assumptions were made). We will also suggest a solution for each challenge.
3. A hands-on exercise using published trial reports of trials will illustrate the challenges and the suggested solutions (40 min).
4. An open discussion of the advantages and limitations of the proposed solutions (20 min).

Project funded by the Cochrane Methods Innovation Fund.