Systematic reviews of prognostic studies I: introduction, design and protocol for systematic reviews of prognostic studies

Workshop category: 

  • Other topics
Date and Location

Date: 

Sunday 16 September 2018 - 11:00 to 12:30

Location: 

Lowther
Contact persons and facilitators

Contact person:

Johanna Damen

Facilitators:

Moons K1, Hooft L2, Damen J2, Riley R3, Williams K4
1 Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Netherlands
2 Cochrane Netherlands, Netherlands
3 Prognosis Methods Group, United Kingdom
4 Cochrane Child, Prognosis and Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Difficulties, Australia

Acknowledgements:

Cochrane Prognosis Methods Group 1
1 Cochrane, United Kingdom
Target audience

Target audience: 

Reviewers with an interest in systematic reviews of prognosis studies

Level of difficulty: 

Basic
Type of workshop

Type of workshop : 

Training
Abstract

Abstract:

Background:
Prognosis studies are abundant in the medical literature. Hence, systematic reviews of these studies are increasingly required and conducted, in order to identify and critically appraise the existing evidence. A tool has recently been developed (the CHARMS tool) to provide guidance on the design and conduct of systematic reviews of prognosis studies. CHARMS can assist prognosis review authors to define the review objectives and design, and to create the data extraction list to enhance critical appraisal of the primary studies.

Objectives:
This workshop will introduce participants to the types of prognosis research and explain the differences between prognosis and intervention studies. We will then provide guidance on how to define a proper review question and how to design your protocol and data extraction form to enhance subsequent critical appraisal. We will illustrate this using empirical examples.

Description:
We discuss the key items important for framing a review question and the essentials of a protocol. The workshop will consist of interactive lectures and small group exercises.

Relevance to patients and consumers: 

Our workshop will train future authors on conducting reviews of prognostic studies that address patient-relevant clinical questions in prognosis research. It will train them to assess how primary prognostic studies have been conducted, and assess whether they address patient-relevant outcomes. Our workshop aims to encourage review authors to involve patients in the prioritization of patient-relevant outcomes, and give recommendations on how primary prognostic research should involve patients and consumers in future research.