Complex reviews 3: Applying the GRADE criteria and presenting findings using ‘Summary of Findings’ tables

Article type
Authors
Burford B1, Armstrong R2, Waters E1, Schunemann H3, Horvath T4, Santesso N5
1Cochrane Public Health Group, Australia
2University of Melbourne, Australia
3McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
4Cochrane HIV/AIDS Group (University of California, San Francisco), USA
5Applicability and Recommendations Methods Group, Consumers and Communication Review Group, Canada
Abstract
Objectives:

1. To discuss a framework for creating ‘Summary of Findings’ tables (SoF) and applying GRADE criteria in summarising a body of evidence in complex reviews.

2. To canvass issues specific to complex reviews that may inform an ongoing Cochrane Collaboration project on enhancing acceptance and implementation of SoF in Cochrane Reviews.

Description:

Guidance to create SoF and apply the GRADE criteria is provided in the Cochrane Handbook and by the GRADE Working Group. Some Cochrane reviews, particularly those of health promotion and public health interventions (e.g. ‘Housing interventions for improved health and social outcomes’ or ‘Fortification of rice with vitamins and minerals for improved maternal and child nutrition’) present particular challenges, due to diversity and heterogeneity in the participants, interventions and/or outcomes. This workshop will engage participants in discussion about their experiences summarising evidence in complex reviews. The GRADE criteria and SoF format will be presented with a discussion about how these might be incorporated within complex reviews. Examples of SoF and GRADE assessment from complex reviews will be shared and discussed. Participants are encouraged to bring examples of ways that they have summarised findings and assessed the quality of a body of evidence in a complex review.