Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Methods for conducting, interpreting, and reporting overviews of systematic reviews are in their infancy. Where possible, guidance for overviews should be based on methods that have been evaluated and shown to have better performance. It is timely to map the methods literature on overviews, so as to determine what methods research should be undertaken as a priority.
Objectives:
1. To populate a framework with methods that have, or may be used, in conducting, interpreting, and reporting overviews of systematic reviews.
2. To create an evidence map of studies that have evaluated these methods.
Methods: The research will be undertaken in two stages to meet objectives 1. and 2. We plan to search methods-specific databases (Cochrane Methodology Register, Meth4ReSyn library, AHRQ Effective Health Care Program), in addition to a general search for overviews in MEDLINE.
Stage I: Methods that have been used in overviews will be identified from descriptive cross-sectional studies on methods used in overviews; guidelines; and editorials. We will extract data on: the type of paper (descriptive cross-sectional paper; guideline; editorial); description of the method; noted advantages/disadvantages; and where the method is located in the review process.
Stage II: Evidence of the performance of methods will be identified from systematic reviews of methods studies, and methods studies. Evaluations will be described narratively, and mapped to the framework of methods identified in stage I.
Results: The results will be presented at the Colloquium.
Conclusions: The results of this mapping process will be useful for cataloguing overview of systematic review methods, informing guidance, and identifying and prioritising methods research in this field.
Objectives:
1. To populate a framework with methods that have, or may be used, in conducting, interpreting, and reporting overviews of systematic reviews.
2. To create an evidence map of studies that have evaluated these methods.
Methods: The research will be undertaken in two stages to meet objectives 1. and 2. We plan to search methods-specific databases (Cochrane Methodology Register, Meth4ReSyn library, AHRQ Effective Health Care Program), in addition to a general search for overviews in MEDLINE.
Stage I: Methods that have been used in overviews will be identified from descriptive cross-sectional studies on methods used in overviews; guidelines; and editorials. We will extract data on: the type of paper (descriptive cross-sectional paper; guideline; editorial); description of the method; noted advantages/disadvantages; and where the method is located in the review process.
Stage II: Evidence of the performance of methods will be identified from systematic reviews of methods studies, and methods studies. Evaluations will be described narratively, and mapped to the framework of methods identified in stage I.
Results: The results will be presented at the Colloquium.
Conclusions: The results of this mapping process will be useful for cataloguing overview of systematic review methods, informing guidance, and identifying and prioritising methods research in this field.