Assessing the certainty of the evidence from network-meta analysis using the GRADE approach

Tags: Workshop
Brignardello-Petersen R1, Foroutan F2, Yepes-Nuñez J3, Guyatt G1
1McMaster University, 2Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, 3Health Research Methodology program at McMaster University

Objectives: For individuals considering conducting a network meta-analysis, to gain familiarity with and begin to gain facility in applying the GRADE Working Group approach to rating certainty of evidence in paired comparisons within a network meta-analysis.

Description: The GRADE Working Group has developed an approach to rating certainty of evidence (also known as confidence in evidence or quality of evidence) in each paired comparison within a network meta-analysis. The approach involves 3 steps: i) Rate the certainty of the direct estimates; ii) Rate the certainty of the indirect estimates; and, iii) Rate the certainty of the network estimates. The workshop will begin with an interactive lecture providing details of the approach and then review a step-by-step template for applying the approach. Workshop participants will then break into groups of 5 or 6 to work through an example of a network meta-analysis, guided by facilitators when needed. Results and details of the assessments will be discussed in a large group before the end of the session.