Directed acyclic graphs in perioperative observational research-A systematic review and critique against best practice recommendations.

ABSTRACT: The Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) is a graph representing causal pathways for informing the conduct of an observational study. The use of DAGs allows transparent communication of a causal model between researchers and can prevent over-adjustment biases when conducting causal inference, permitting greater confidence and transparency in reported causal estimates. In the era of 'big data' and increasing number of observational studies, the role of the DAG is becoming more important. Recent best-practice guidance for constructing a DAG with reference to the literature has been published in the 'Evidence synthesis for constructing DAGs' (ESC-DAG) protocol. We aimed to assess adherence to these principles for DAGs constructed within perioperative literature. Following registration on the Internat

SUBMITTER: Watson ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9910726 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature