Article type
Year
Abstract
Objectives:
1. To introduce key issues in the use of indirect comparisons in Cochrane Reviews, including the identification of an appropriate question and the construction of a network map.
2. To discuss methodological considerations when undertaking such reviews.
Description: Indirect comparisons can be useful in the synthesis of evidence on comparative effectiveness, particularly when the evidence from head-to-head trials is lacking or insufficient. A variety of methods is available, ranging from simple narrative methods to formal network meta-analysis. This is the first of two related workshops. It will draw upon a draft Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions chapter on comparing multiple interventions as well as a protocol template for Cochrane authors who wish to perform such analyses in their review. We will introduce the concept of indirect comparison and describe the construction of a network of interventions. We will discuss appropriate questions for a review involving indirect comparisons and network meta-analysis, and details to describe in the protocol. Lastly, we will discuss methodological considerations when undertaking such reviews. We will work from examples and encourage participants to bring their own examples to share their experiences on this rapidly developing area of methodology.
1. To introduce key issues in the use of indirect comparisons in Cochrane Reviews, including the identification of an appropriate question and the construction of a network map.
2. To discuss methodological considerations when undertaking such reviews.
Description: Indirect comparisons can be useful in the synthesis of evidence on comparative effectiveness, particularly when the evidence from head-to-head trials is lacking or insufficient. A variety of methods is available, ranging from simple narrative methods to formal network meta-analysis. This is the first of two related workshops. It will draw upon a draft Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions chapter on comparing multiple interventions as well as a protocol template for Cochrane authors who wish to perform such analyses in their review. We will introduce the concept of indirect comparison and describe the construction of a network of interventions. We will discuss appropriate questions for a review involving indirect comparisons and network meta-analysis, and details to describe in the protocol. Lastly, we will discuss methodological considerations when undertaking such reviews. We will work from examples and encourage participants to bring their own examples to share their experiences on this rapidly developing area of methodology.