Performing Systematic Reviews in Resource-Limited Settings: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Systematic Review(Advanced_Course_Module_6_Appendix)

2. Performing systematic reviews in resource-limited settingsMay 19, 2018 MLA Annual Conference, Atlanta GA The material for this appendix is part of: Performing systematic reviews in resource-limited settings Sarah Young and Erin EldemereMay 19, 2018 MLA Annual Conference, Atlanta GA

3. Archie Cochrane, 1979 A Scottish doctor who promoted the use of randomized controlled trials to improve medical care. "It is surely a great criticism of our profession that we have not organised a critical summary, by specialty or subspecialty, adapted periodically, of all relevant randomised controlled trials."

4. What is a systematic review? “…a scientific investigation that focuses on a specific question and uses explicit, pre-specified scientific methods to identify, select, assess, and summarize the findings of similar but separate studies.” Source: “Finding What Works in Health Care”, Institute of Medicine, Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209518/

5. Systematic review vs. traditional lit review

6. In general, a systematic review aims to decrease bias and increase reproducibility and transparency. They provide guidance for practice and policy-making, and identify gaps in knowledge and a need for research.

7. Bias in research synthesis Adapted from Campbell Collaboration training slides

8. Bias in research synthesis Review methods bias Publication bias Outcome reporting bias Negative results Positive results

9. Bias in research synthesis Negative results Positive results

10. Bias in research synthesis Negative results Positive results

11. Bias in research synthesis Negative results Positive results

12. Types of systematic review questions • The effectiveness of a treatment or intervention • The rate, prevalence or trends of occurrence of a condition • The correlation or association of factors • The accuracy of a diagnostic test • The reliability or validity of a method or measure

14. Define the question Search and screen for studies Assess study quality Extract and combine data Discuss and conclude findings Disseminate results

15. Define the question Search and screen for studies Assess study quality Extract and combine data Discuss and conclude findings Disseminate results

16. Complex contexts Define the question Lack of expertise and access Lack of multiple reviewers Search and screen for studies Assess study quality Lack of expertise Extract and combine data Discuss and conclude findings Lack of funding Disseminate results

17. Grading • Assess quality of evidence in included articles • Librarian can provide support for rubric documentation • Develop SR Protocol • Refine research question • Identify sources for searching • Develop search strategy • Define inclusion/exclusion criteria • Develop grading rubric SR steps and librarian’s role Analysis and Synthesis Identify Research Question • Perform Search • Run database searches • Search grey literature • Hand search journals and websites • Calls to listservs or known researchers if any • Write up of SR • Librarian assists in write-up of methods section • Initial Screening • Screen titles/abstracts • Independent reviewers determine Yes/No/Maybe • Yes/Maybe carry through • Eligibility Screening • Screen abstracts/full text for inclusion/exclusion criteria • Record reasons for exclusion

18. Resources to learn more • Margaret Foster’s Webinar Series: https://nnlm.gov/scr/professional-development/systematic-review-series • John’s Hopkins Coursera Course: Intro to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: https://www.coursera.org/learn/systematic-review • Campbell Collaboration Training Resources: https://www.campbellcollaboration.org/research-resources/training-courses.html

19. Resources to learn more Updated 06 2018