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A Descriptive Analysis of Overviews of Reviews Published between 2000 and 2011

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  • Lisa Hartling
  • Annabritt Chisholm
  • Denise Thomson
  • Donna M Dryden

Abstract

Background: Overviews of systematic reviews compile data from multiple systematic reviews (SRs) and are a new method of evidence synthesis. Objectives: To describe the methodological approaches in overviews of interventions. Design: Descriptive study. Methods: We searched 4 databases from 2000 to July 2011; we handsearched Evidence-based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal. We defined an overview as a study that: stated a clear objective; examined an intervention; used explicit methods to identify SRs; collected and synthesized outcome data from the SRs; and intended to include only SRs. We did not restrict inclusion by population characteristics (e.g., adult or children only). Two researchers independently screened studies and applied eligibility criteria. One researcher extracted data with verification by a second. We conducted a descriptive analysis. Results: From 2,245 citations, 75 overviews were included. The number of overviews increased from 1 in 2000 to 14 in 2010. The interventions were pharmacological (n = 20, 26.7%), non-pharmacological (n = 26, 34.7%), or both (n = 29, 38.7%). Inclusion criteria were clearly stated in 65 overviews. Thirty-three (44%) overviews searched at least 2 databases. The majority reported the years and databases searched (n = 46, 61%), and provided key words (n = 58, 77%). Thirty-nine (52%) overviews included Cochrane SRs only. Two reviewers independently screened and completed full text review in 29 overviews (39%). Methods of data extraction were reported in 45 (60%). Information on quality of individual studies was extracted from the original SRs in 27 (36%) overviews. Quality assessment of the SRs was performed in 28 (37%) overviews; at least 9 different tools were used. Quality of the body of evidence was assessed in 13 (17%) overviews. Most overviews provided a narrative or descriptive analysis of the included SRs. One overview conducted indirect analyses and the other conducted mixed treatment comparisons. Publication bias was discussed in 18 (24%) overviews. Conclusions: This study shows considerable variation in the methods used for overviews. There is a need for methodological rigor and consistency in overviews, as well as empirical evidence to support the methods employed.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisa Hartling & Annabritt Chisholm & Denise Thomson & Donna M Dryden, 2012. "A Descriptive Analysis of Overviews of Reviews Published between 2000 and 2011," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(11), pages 1-8, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0049667
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049667
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    Cited by:

    1. Anmol T. Mattu & Brianna Ghali & Vanessa Linton & Alex Zheng & Ian Pike, 2022. "Prevention of Non-Contact Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries among Youth Female Athletes: An Umbrella Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-29, April.
    2. Grainne O’Donoghue & Aileen Kennedy & Anna Puggina & Katina Aleksovska & Christoph Buck & Con Burns & Greet Cardon & Angela Carlin & Donatella Ciarapica & Marco Colotto & Giancarlo Condello & Tara Cop, 2018. "Socio-economic determinants of physical activity across the life course: A "DEterminants of DIet and Physical ACtivity" (DEDIPAC) umbrella literature review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(1), pages 1-24, January.
    3. Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu & Gizachew Assefa Tessema & Ben Mullins & Bernard Kumi-Boateng & Michelle Lee Bell & Gavin Pereira, 2020. "Ambient Air Pollution, Extreme Temperatures and Birth Outcomes: A Protocol for an Umbrella Review, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-18, November.

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