What do we do if different studies appear to give different answers? When applying research to questions for individual patients or for health policy, one of the challenges is interpreting such apparently conflicting research. This practical guide to systematic reviews clearly describes and explains the methods to systematically identify relevant research, appraise its quality, and synthesize the results. As well as illustrative examples, there are exercises for each of the sections. This is essential reading for those interested in synthesizing health care research.
"Introduction, Part I. General Methods: 1. The question, 2. Finding relevant studies, 3. Appraising and selecting studies, 4. Summarising and synthesising the studies, 5. Applicability: returning to the question, Part II. Question-Specific Methods: 6. Interventions, 7. Frequency and rate, 8. Diagnostic tests, 9. Aetiology and risk factors, 10. Prediction: prognosis and risk, Appendix A. Literature searching methods, Appendix B. Software for meta-analysis, Glossary, Acronyms and abbreviations, References, Index."
Introduction, Part I. General Methods: 1. The question, 2. Finding relevant studies, 3. Appraising and selecting studies, 4. Summarising and synthesising the studies, 5. Applicability: returning to the question, Part II. Question-Specific Methods: 6. Interventions, 7. Frequency and rate, 8. Diagnostic tests, 9. Aetiology and risk factors, 10. Prediction: prognosis and risk, Appendix A. Literature searching methods, Appendix B. Software for meta-analysis, Glossary, Acronyms and abbreviations, References, Index.