Lack of transparency in reporting narrative synthesis of quantitative data: a methodological assessment of systematic reviews.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To assess the adequacy of reporting and conduct of narrative synthesis of quantitative data (NS) in reviews evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions.

Study design and setting

A retrospective comparison of a 20% (n = 474/2,372) random sample of public health systematic reviews from the McMaster Health Evidence database (January 2010-October 2015) to establish the proportion of reviews using NS. From those reviews using NS, 30% (n = 75/251) were randomly selected and data were extracted for detailed assessment of: reporting NS methods, management and investigation of heterogeneity, transparency of data presentation, and assessment of robustness of the synthesis.

Results

Most reviews used NS (56%, n = 251/446); meta-analysis was the primary m

SUBMITTER: Campbell M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6327109 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature