Critical appraisal of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) are cornerstone methodologies in evidence-based medicine, synthesising vast research to provide comprehensive insights. Despite their value, the increasing prevalence of SRMAs has highlighted the need for robust critical appraisal to ensure their reliabil...

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Main Author: Kapil D. Soni
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2025-01-01
Series:Indian Journal of Anaesthesia
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/ija.ija_1223_24
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author Kapil D. Soni
author_facet Kapil D. Soni
author_sort Kapil D. Soni
collection DOAJ
description Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) are cornerstone methodologies in evidence-based medicine, synthesising vast research to provide comprehensive insights. Despite their value, the increasing prevalence of SRMAs has highlighted the need for robust critical appraisal to ensure their reliability and applicability. This document outlines a structured framework for evaluating SRMAs, emphasising key elements such as clearly defined research questions, appropriate inclusion criteria, comprehensive search strategies and the assessment of bias in included studies. In addition, it discusses the importance of rigorous data extraction, synthesis methods and evaluation of publication bias. Tools like Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), Measurement Tools to Assess Systematic Reviews, version 2 and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) can facilitate appraisal and help translate findings into clinical practice. By identifying knowledge gaps and methodological strengths or weaknesses, critical appraisal enhances the quality of SRMAs and safeguards their role in guiding evidence-based decision-making.
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spelling doaj-art-ca6f96d68d114ef4bac4ae4c533044802025-02-06T05:26:09ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsIndian Journal of Anaesthesia0019-50490976-28172025-01-0169116116410.4103/ija.ija_1223_24Critical appraisal of systematic reviews and meta-analysesKapil D. SoniSystematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMAs) are cornerstone methodologies in evidence-based medicine, synthesising vast research to provide comprehensive insights. Despite their value, the increasing prevalence of SRMAs has highlighted the need for robust critical appraisal to ensure their reliability and applicability. This document outlines a structured framework for evaluating SRMAs, emphasising key elements such as clearly defined research questions, appropriate inclusion criteria, comprehensive search strategies and the assessment of bias in included studies. In addition, it discusses the importance of rigorous data extraction, synthesis methods and evaluation of publication bias. Tools like Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), Measurement Tools to Assess Systematic Reviews, version 2 and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) can facilitate appraisal and help translate findings into clinical practice. By identifying knowledge gaps and methodological strengths or weaknesses, critical appraisal enhances the quality of SRMAs and safeguards their role in guiding evidence-based decision-making.https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/ija.ija_1223_24amstarbiascritical appraisalgrademeta-analysesprismasystematic reviews
spellingShingle Kapil D. Soni
Critical appraisal of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Indian Journal of Anaesthesia
amstar
bias
critical appraisal
grade
meta-analyses
prisma
systematic reviews
title Critical appraisal of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
title_full Critical appraisal of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
title_fullStr Critical appraisal of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
title_full_unstemmed Critical appraisal of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
title_short Critical appraisal of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
title_sort critical appraisal of systematic reviews and meta analyses
topic amstar
bias
critical appraisal
grade
meta-analyses
prisma
systematic reviews
url https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/ija.ija_1223_24
work_keys_str_mv AT kapildsoni criticalappraisalofsystematicreviewsandmetaanalyses