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An introduction to overviews of reviews: planning a relevant research question
and objective for an overview
#MMPMID29490699
Hunt H
; Pollock A
; Campbell P
; Estcourt L
; Brunton G
Syst Rev
2018[Mar]; 7
(1
): 39
PMID29490699
show ga
BACKGROUND: Overviews of systematic reviews are a relatively new approach to
synthesising evidence, and research methods and associated guidance are
developing. Within this paper we aim to help readers understand key issues which
are essential to consider when taking the first steps in planning an overview.
These issues relate to the development of clear, relevant research questions and
objectives prior to the development of an overview protocol. METHODS: Initial
discussions and key concepts for this paper were formed during a workshop on
overview methods at the 2016 UK Cochrane Symposium, at which all members of this
author group presented work and contributed to wider discussions. Detailed
descriptions of the various key features of overviews and their different
objectives were created by the author group based upon current evidence (Higgins
J, Green S. Cochrane Handbook Syst Rev Interv. 2011;4:5, Pollock M, et al. Sys
Rev. 2016;5:190-205, Pollock A, et al. Cochrane overviews of reviews: exploring
the methods and challenges. UK and Ireland: Cochrane Symposium; 2016, Pieper D,
et al. Res Syn Meth. 2014;5:187-99, Lunny C, et al. Sys Rev. 2016;5:4-12,
Hartling L, et al. Comparing multiple treatments: an introduction to overviews of
reviews. In 23rd Cochrane Colloquium; 2015, Hartling L, et al. Plos One.
2012;7:1-8, Ballard M, Montgomery P. Res Syn Meth. 2017;8:92-108) and author
experiences conducting overviews. RESULTS: Within this paper we introduce
different types of overviews and suggest common research questions addressed by
these overviews. We briefly reflect on the key features and objectives of the
example overviews discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Clear decisions relating to the
research questions and objectives are a fundamental first step during the initial
planning stages for an overview. Key stakeholders should be involved at the
earliest opportunity to ensure that the planned overview is relevant and
meaningful to the potential end users of the overview. Following best practice in
common with other forms of systematic evidence synthesis, an overview protocol
should be published, ensuring transparency and reducing opportunities for
introduction of bias in the conduct of the overview.
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