Systematic Reviews to Support Evidence Based Medicine

For many healthcare professionals there is a mystery surrounding systematic reviews of healthcare literature. How did they select certain studies and reject others? What did they do to pool results? How did a bunch of insignificant findings suddenly become significant? With this book you will embark on a journey that will provide the key information required to demystify these intrigues. By understanding the principles behind reviews of healthcare literature, you will be able to assess the credibility of the recommendations handed down to you in published reviews and practice guidelines. Systematic Reviews to Support Evidence-Based Medicine simplifies and explains the key steps involved in reviewing literature, directing its deliberations at a readership of nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, public health personnel, new reviewers and students of epidemiology and health technology assessment. The authors are veterans of over 150 systematic reviews. Over the years they have worked with healthcare commissioners, clinicians and other decision-makers, producing reviews to inform policy and practice. They have collaborated with other epidemiologists and statisticians to advance methods for undertaking systematic reviews and between them; they have a wide and appropriate range of experience of reviewing and applying findings of healthcare research.

This third edition features a new chapter on 'Publishing systematic reviews’ and numerous new case studies covering the latest developments in the field, including umbrella reviews, reviews of test accuracy, qualitative evidence and prognostic studies, and practice guidelines. Authoritative, clear and concise, this highly acclaimed book continues to be an essential text for all medical, surgical and allied health professionals who are seeking a quick and respected guide to systematically reviewing the literature. The third edition features a new chapter on 'Publishing systematic reviews’ and numerous new case studies covering the latest developments in the field, including umbrella reviews, reviews of test accuracy, qualitative evidence and prognostic studies, and practice guidelines. The highly experienced authors, who have each contributed to numerous systematic reviews that have helped form policy and practice, ensure that this practical text, which avoids technical jargon, continues to be the reference of choice for all health professionals undertaking literature reviews, including those specializing in epidemiology and public health.