Julia H. Littell, Jacqueline Corcoran, and Vijayan Pillai
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195326543
- eISBN:
- 9780199864959
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195326543.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
This book aims to make familiar current methods and standards for research synthesis. It describes systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with numerous examples relevant to social work practice and ...
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This book aims to make familiar current methods and standards for research synthesis. It describes systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with numerous examples relevant to social work practice and policy. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis can overcome important limitations that are inherent in traditional, narrative summaries of research. The process of conducting a systematic review is described. The book is organized according to the steps involved in conducting a meta-analysis within a systematic review.Less
This book aims to make familiar current methods and standards for research synthesis. It describes systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with numerous examples relevant to social work practice and policy. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis can overcome important limitations that are inherent in traditional, narrative summaries of research. The process of conducting a systematic review is described. The book is organized according to the steps involved in conducting a meta-analysis within a systematic review.
Denise E. Bronson and Tamara S. Davis
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195337365
- eISBN:
- 9780199918201
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195337365.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
Evidence-based practice (EBP) promises to have a profound impact on social work practice, education, and scholarship, but adopting EBP depends on the availability of evidence to support this ...
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Evidence-based practice (EBP) promises to have a profound impact on social work practice, education, and scholarship, but adopting EBP depends on the availability of evidence to support this endeavour and on strategies to synthesize this information. Systematic reviews provide a comprehensive, unbiased method for retrieving and synthesizing relevant research. Finding and Evaluating Evidence: Systematic Reviews and Evidence-based Practice is a concise introduction to systematic reviews that describes the steps required to complete a review and the criteria that can be used to assess the quality of existing reviews. This pocket guide provides straight-forward information on how to 1) define a search question that clearly defines the parameters of the problem, 2) develop a search strategy that is transparent and comprehensive to insure that all relevant research is included in the review, 3) assess the quality and credibility of existing research, and 4) summarize the available research to support EBP in social work. One of the distinguishing features of this book is that both quantitative and qualitative synthesis methods are presented, and examples are provided to illustrate the steps and decisions associated with each approach to research synthesis. This pocket guide is an excellent introduction to EBP and systematic reviews that will be valued by social work students, practitioners, and scholars.Less
Evidence-based practice (EBP) promises to have a profound impact on social work practice, education, and scholarship, but adopting EBP depends on the availability of evidence to support this endeavour and on strategies to synthesize this information. Systematic reviews provide a comprehensive, unbiased method for retrieving and synthesizing relevant research. Finding and Evaluating Evidence: Systematic Reviews and Evidence-based Practice is a concise introduction to systematic reviews that describes the steps required to complete a review and the criteria that can be used to assess the quality of existing reviews. This pocket guide provides straight-forward information on how to 1) define a search question that clearly defines the parameters of the problem, 2) develop a search strategy that is transparent and comprehensive to insure that all relevant research is included in the review, 3) assess the quality and credibility of existing research, and 4) summarize the available research to support EBP in social work. One of the distinguishing features of this book is that both quantitative and qualitative synthesis methods are presented, and examples are provided to illustrate the steps and decisions associated with each approach to research synthesis. This pocket guide is an excellent introduction to EBP and systematic reviews that will be valued by social work students, practitioners, and scholars.
Julia H. Littell, Jacqueline Corcoran, and Vijayan Pillai
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195326543
- eISBN:
- 9780199864959
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195326543.003.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
This chapter defines and compares systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Systematic reviews carefully locate relevant evidence and appraise study qualities, while meta-analyses provide quantitative ...
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This chapter defines and compares systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Systematic reviews carefully locate relevant evidence and appraise study qualities, while meta-analyses provide quantitative summaries of evidence, showing central trends, variations, and possible explanations for differences in results across studies. The advantages and disadvantages of these review methodologies are discussed, along with appropriate applications and quality standards.Less
This chapter defines and compares systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Systematic reviews carefully locate relevant evidence and appraise study qualities, while meta-analyses provide quantitative summaries of evidence, showing central trends, variations, and possible explanations for differences in results across studies. The advantages and disadvantages of these review methodologies are discussed, along with appropriate applications and quality standards.
Michael Saini and Aron Shlonsky
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195387216
- eISBN:
- 9780199932092
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195387216.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
Qualitative synthesis within the family of systematic reviews meets an urgent need to use knowledge derived from qualitative studies to inform practice, research, and policy. Despite the contingent ...
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Qualitative synthesis within the family of systematic reviews meets an urgent need to use knowledge derived from qualitative studies to inform practice, research, and policy. Despite the contingent nature of evidence gleaned from the synthesis of qualitative studies, systematic synthesis is an important technique and, used judiciously, can deepen our understanding of the contextual dimensions that emerge from qualitative research. This book presents an overview for planning, developing, and implementing qualitative synthesis within existing protocols and guidelines for conducting systematic reviews. The book also explores methodological challenges, including: the philosophical tensions of integrating qualitative synthesis within the family of systematic reviews; the balance of comprehensive and iterative information retrieval strategies to locate and screen qualitative research; the use of appraisal tools to assess quality of qualitative studies; the various approaches to synthesize qualitative studies, including interpretive, integrated, and aggregative; and the tensions between the generalizability and transferability of findings that emerge from qualitative synthesis.Less
Qualitative synthesis within the family of systematic reviews meets an urgent need to use knowledge derived from qualitative studies to inform practice, research, and policy. Despite the contingent nature of evidence gleaned from the synthesis of qualitative studies, systematic synthesis is an important technique and, used judiciously, can deepen our understanding of the contextual dimensions that emerge from qualitative research. This book presents an overview for planning, developing, and implementing qualitative synthesis within existing protocols and guidelines for conducting systematic reviews. The book also explores methodological challenges, including: the philosophical tensions of integrating qualitative synthesis within the family of systematic reviews; the balance of comprehensive and iterative information retrieval strategies to locate and screen qualitative research; the use of appraisal tools to assess quality of qualitative studies; the various approaches to synthesize qualitative studies, including interpretive, integrated, and aggregative; and the tensions between the generalizability and transferability of findings that emerge from qualitative synthesis.
Marjolein Gysels and Irene J. Higginson
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- November 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198530251
- eISBN:
- 9780191729980
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198530251.003.0008
- Subject:
- Palliative Care, Palliative Medicine Research, Patient Care and End-of-Life Decision Making
This chapter introduces systematic reviews and provides a summary of systematic review methods. It highlights the reasons why a researcher should use a systematic review, as well as the instances ...
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This chapter introduces systematic reviews and provides a summary of systematic review methods. It highlights the reasons why a researcher should use a systematic review, as well as the instances when systematic reviews are not an ideal research method. It also discusses the different systematic review methods that can be used, such as data extraction and data synthesis.Less
This chapter introduces systematic reviews and provides a summary of systematic review methods. It highlights the reasons why a researcher should use a systematic review, as well as the instances when systematic reviews are not an ideal research method. It also discusses the different systematic review methods that can be used, such as data extraction and data synthesis.
Margaret Thorogood
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199569298
- eISBN:
- 9780191594427
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199569298.003.0006
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
A systematic review aims to search for and organize information in a systematic way, using transparent searches and inclusion and exclusion criteria to try, as far as is possible, to provide an ...
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A systematic review aims to search for and organize information in a systematic way, using transparent searches and inclusion and exclusion criteria to try, as far as is possible, to provide an unbiased summary of the evidence. This chapter briefly describes how to undertake a systematic review, including the important step of defining the research question, and discusses some of the problems and challenges. Using examples, it describes some of the ways in which a systematic reviews can be used in evaluating health promotion, and how to evaluate the quality and relevance of such reviews.Less
A systematic review aims to search for and organize information in a systematic way, using transparent searches and inclusion and exclusion criteria to try, as far as is possible, to provide an unbiased summary of the evidence. This chapter briefly describes how to undertake a systematic review, including the important step of defining the research question, and discusses some of the problems and challenges. Using examples, it describes some of the ways in which a systematic reviews can be used in evaluating health promotion, and how to evaluate the quality and relevance of such reviews.
Ross C. Brownson, Elizabeth A. Baker, Terry L. Leet, Kathleen N. Gillespie, and William R. True
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195397895
- eISBN:
- 9780199827183
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195397895.003.0003
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter describes several useful tools for evidence-based public health practice. The chapter has five main parts. First, it describes some context and processes for developing systematic ...
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This chapter describes several useful tools for evidence-based public health practice. The chapter has five main parts. First, it describes some context and processes for developing systematic reviews and economic evaluations. It then discusses several analytic tools for measuring intervention impact and effectiveness (e.g., systematic reviews, meta-analysis). The third part describes economic evaluation, a set of methods for comparing benefits and costs. One particular type of economic evaluation, cost-utility analysis, is described in greater detail. The fourth section discusses several challenges and opportunities in using these analytic tools. The chapter concludes with a short discussion of processes for translating evidence into public health action (e.g., expert panels, practice guidelines).Less
This chapter describes several useful tools for evidence-based public health practice. The chapter has five main parts. First, it describes some context and processes for developing systematic reviews and economic evaluations. It then discusses several analytic tools for measuring intervention impact and effectiveness (e.g., systematic reviews, meta-analysis). The third part describes economic evaluation, a set of methods for comparing benefits and costs. One particular type of economic evaluation, cost-utility analysis, is described in greater detail. The fourth section discusses several challenges and opportunities in using these analytic tools. The chapter concludes with a short discussion of processes for translating evidence into public health action (e.g., expert panels, practice guidelines).
Julia H. Littell, Jacqueline Corcoran, and Vijayan Pillai
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195326543
- eISBN:
- 9780199864959
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195326543.003.0002
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
This chapter considers issues in formulating a research question and developing a protocol for a systematic review. The protocol is a written plan, which specifies the objectives of the review, study ...
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This chapter considers issues in formulating a research question and developing a protocol for a systematic review. The protocol is a written plan, which specifies the objectives of the review, study eligibility criteria (the populations, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and research designs that will be included), and methodological issues, including search strategies and plans for data extraction, data analysis, and synthesis. The chapter discusses the composition of review teams, involvement of stakeholders, and uses of logic models in planning a systematic review.Less
This chapter considers issues in formulating a research question and developing a protocol for a systematic review. The protocol is a written plan, which specifies the objectives of the review, study eligibility criteria (the populations, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and research designs that will be included), and methodological issues, including search strategies and plans for data extraction, data analysis, and synthesis. The chapter discusses the composition of review teams, involvement of stakeholders, and uses of logic models in planning a systematic review.
Curtis L. Meinert
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199742967
- eISBN:
- 9780199897278
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199742967.003.0018
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Public Health
A meta-analysis is an analysis using either aggregate results or individual patient data from published trials. It is done to provide a more comprehensive and informative view of results than is ...
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A meta-analysis is an analysis using either aggregate results or individual patient data from published trials. It is done to provide a more comprehensive and informative view of results than is possible with any single trial. A related activity is systematic review. Such reviews, as applied to trials, typically involve efforts to identify all trials relevant to the question of interest, whether published or not, critical appraisals of the trials, and ultimately, a conclusion as to the weight of evidence for or against the treatment. Such reviews may or may not involve formal meta-analyses. Most meta-analyses, in contrast with systematic reviews, are based exclusively on published trials.Less
A meta-analysis is an analysis using either aggregate results or individual patient data from published trials. It is done to provide a more comprehensive and informative view of results than is possible with any single trial. A related activity is systematic review. Such reviews, as applied to trials, typically involve efforts to identify all trials relevant to the question of interest, whether published or not, critical appraisals of the trials, and ultimately, a conclusion as to the weight of evidence for or against the treatment. Such reviews may or may not involve formal meta-analyses. Most meta-analyses, in contrast with systematic reviews, are based exclusively on published trials.
Melissa L. Mcpheeters, Peter Briss, Steven J. Teutsch, and Benedict Truman
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195187410
- eISBN:
- 9780199864997
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195187410.003.0004
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter provides a real-life perspective on systematic reviews, including some of the challenges involved and some of the areas in which there are differences of opinion among experts about ...
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This chapter provides a real-life perspective on systematic reviews, including some of the challenges involved and some of the areas in which there are differences of opinion among experts about potential solutions, and with particular focus on population-based studies. The general steps in conducting a review include selecting appropriate team members to participate, developing a conceptual model and well-constructed key questions, defining and selecting interventions for review, searching for the relevant information, evaluating the quality of the studies and body of literature, and summarizing the data in a clear and useful manner. Each of these steps has a set of methods that have been developed over time as systematic review methodology has grown, and each is meant to maintain rigor and reduce bias in the final conclusions. Ultimately, systematic reviews should be useful for supporting public health and health care decision making.Less
This chapter provides a real-life perspective on systematic reviews, including some of the challenges involved and some of the areas in which there are differences of opinion among experts about potential solutions, and with particular focus on population-based studies. The general steps in conducting a review include selecting appropriate team members to participate, developing a conceptual model and well-constructed key questions, defining and selecting interventions for review, searching for the relevant information, evaluating the quality of the studies and body of literature, and summarizing the data in a clear and useful manner. Each of these steps has a set of methods that have been developed over time as systematic review methodology has grown, and each is meant to maintain rigor and reduce bias in the final conclusions. Ultimately, systematic reviews should be useful for supporting public health and health care decision making.
Denise E. Bronson and Tamara S. Davis
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195337365
- eISBN:
- 9780199918201
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195337365.003.0008
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
The importance of systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice in social work is stressed and the related concepts and definitions of terms are presented. The steps for completing a ...
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The importance of systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice in social work is stressed and the related concepts and definitions of terms are presented. The steps for completing a systematic review are described together with the value of systematic reviews for social work practice, policy and future research. The chapter concludes with an overview of the book’s organization around three of the key steps needed to complete a systematic review – identifying, retrieving, and critically appraising intervention research.Less
The importance of systematic reviews to support evidence-based practice in social work is stressed and the related concepts and definitions of terms are presented. The steps for completing a systematic review are described together with the value of systematic reviews for social work practice, policy and future research. The chapter concludes with an overview of the book’s organization around three of the key steps needed to complete a systematic review – identifying, retrieving, and critically appraising intervention research.
James C. Raines
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195366266
- eISBN:
- 9780199864027
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195366266.003.0004
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Research and Evaluation
This chapter aims to teach practitioners how to search efficiently and effectively for the best available evidence. There are three major clearinghouses for systematic reviews: the What Works ...
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This chapter aims to teach practitioners how to search efficiently and effectively for the best available evidence. There are three major clearinghouses for systematic reviews: the What Works Clearinghouse, the Campbell Collaboration, and SAMHSA's Registry of Evidence-Based Programs & Practices. The web is best searched using Boolean logic. There are two major public databases. ERIC focuses on educational research. PubMed contains information on health-related conditions. The private web has the best databases by which to find evidence. There are two major private databases for mental health clinicians. PsycINFO is the most relevant database that school-based practitioners can access. Social Work Abstracts is the smallest and will be of most use to school social workers. Finally, practitioners need to screen the evidence they find and triangulate their search to justify their clinical decision-making.Less
This chapter aims to teach practitioners how to search efficiently and effectively for the best available evidence. There are three major clearinghouses for systematic reviews: the What Works Clearinghouse, the Campbell Collaboration, and SAMHSA's Registry of Evidence-Based Programs & Practices. The web is best searched using Boolean logic. There are two major public databases. ERIC focuses on educational research. PubMed contains information on health-related conditions. The private web has the best databases by which to find evidence. There are two major private databases for mental health clinicians. PsycINFO is the most relevant database that school-based practitioners can access. Social Work Abstracts is the smallest and will be of most use to school social workers. Finally, practitioners need to screen the evidence they find and triangulate their search to justify their clinical decision-making.
Michael Saini and Aron Shlonsky
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195387216
- eISBN:
- 9780199932092
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195387216.003.0006
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
The current terrain of qualitative research is marked by a lack of consensus among its scholars on the value of literature reviews, the best manner in which to conduct and include other literature, ...
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The current terrain of qualitative research is marked by a lack of consensus among its scholars on the value of literature reviews, the best manner in which to conduct and include other literature, and the amount of weight to be given to prior literature within the qualitative inquiry process. Given this lack of consensus about the utility of literature reviews, it is not surprising that there are divergent views on ways to search the literature and what to include when conducting systematic syntheses. Although there has been progress in developing methods to include qualitative research within evidence-based practice and systematic reviews, information retrieval for qualitative studies remains one of the least developed areas in systematic review methods.Less
The current terrain of qualitative research is marked by a lack of consensus among its scholars on the value of literature reviews, the best manner in which to conduct and include other literature, and the amount of weight to be given to prior literature within the qualitative inquiry process. Given this lack of consensus about the utility of literature reviews, it is not surprising that there are divergent views on ways to search the literature and what to include when conducting systematic syntheses. Although there has been progress in developing methods to include qualitative research within evidence-based practice and systematic reviews, information retrieval for qualitative studies remains one of the least developed areas in systematic review methods.
Phyllis Solomon, Mary M. Cavanaugh, and Jeffrey Draine
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195333190
- eISBN:
- 9780199864317
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195333190.003.0007
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
Chapter 7 demonstrates the relevance of RCTs to building a sound, scientific basis for social work services and programs, so that social work practitioners can select the most effective interventions ...
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Chapter 7 demonstrates the relevance of RCTs to building a sound, scientific basis for social work services and programs, so that social work practitioners can select the most effective interventions for their clients. Methods for establishing external validity in RCTs are discussed along with the responsibilities of social work researchers in reporting the results of RCTs in order to increase the usefulness to practice application. Furthermore, the use of systematic and meta-analytic reviews in creating generalizeable knowledge for practitioner decision-making is presented, and the contributions of RCTs to the development of evidence-based practices are also discussed. The CONSORT and QUORUM standards for reporting RCTs and meta-analytic reviews, respectively, are presented. The importance of assessing RCTs in relation to cost effectiveness and cost benefit analysis is covered.Less
Chapter 7 demonstrates the relevance of RCTs to building a sound, scientific basis for social work services and programs, so that social work practitioners can select the most effective interventions for their clients. Methods for establishing external validity in RCTs are discussed along with the responsibilities of social work researchers in reporting the results of RCTs in order to increase the usefulness to practice application. Furthermore, the use of systematic and meta-analytic reviews in creating generalizeable knowledge for practitioner decision-making is presented, and the contributions of RCTs to the development of evidence-based practices are also discussed. The CONSORT and QUORUM standards for reporting RCTs and meta-analytic reviews, respectively, are presented. The importance of assessing RCTs in relation to cost effectiveness and cost benefit analysis is covered.
Michael Saini and Aron Shlonsky
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195387216
- eISBN:
- 9780199932092
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195387216.003.0005
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
The inclusion of qualitative synthesis within the “family of systematic reviews” helps to move qualitative synthesis out of the shadow of quantitative synthesis; provides impetus to the creation of ...
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The inclusion of qualitative synthesis within the “family of systematic reviews” helps to move qualitative synthesis out of the shadow of quantitative synthesis; provides impetus to the creation of methods that are transparent, consistent, and rigorous regardless of the systematic review method; and helps to distinguish qualitative synthesis from other types of narrative reviews. In this chapter, we present an outline of a working approach for conducting a systematic process for collecting, screening, and classifying sources based on whether studies are considered quantitative or qualitative by design. To illustrate the applicability of our approach, we first introduce a systematic review on family group decision making within a child-protection context. The 11-step approach for conducting systematic synthesis of qualitative research is then highlighted in the remainder of this chapter and explored more fully in subsequent chapters. Lessons gleaned from the case study will be referred to throughout to illuminate various steps.Less
The inclusion of qualitative synthesis within the “family of systematic reviews” helps to move qualitative synthesis out of the shadow of quantitative synthesis; provides impetus to the creation of methods that are transparent, consistent, and rigorous regardless of the systematic review method; and helps to distinguish qualitative synthesis from other types of narrative reviews. In this chapter, we present an outline of a working approach for conducting a systematic process for collecting, screening, and classifying sources based on whether studies are considered quantitative or qualitative by design. To illustrate the applicability of our approach, we first introduce a systematic review on family group decision making within a child-protection context. The 11-step approach for conducting systematic synthesis of qualitative research is then highlighted in the remainder of this chapter and explored more fully in subsequent chapters. Lessons gleaned from the case study will be referred to throughout to illuminate various steps.
Jonathan Shepherd and Angela Harden
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198508496
- eISBN:
- 9780191723797
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198508496.003.0013
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This chapter brings together the results of experimental evaluations of sexual health intervention in the form of systematic reviews. It explores the extent to which systematic reviews are reliable ...
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This chapter brings together the results of experimental evaluations of sexual health intervention in the form of systematic reviews. It explores the extent to which systematic reviews are reliable and useful, and their relevance to the field of sexual health. The chapter makes extensive use of examples from a programme of work on evidence-based health promotion undertaken at the Evidence Informed Policy and Practice Information and Coordinating Centre (EPPI-Centre) at the Social Science Research Unit, University of London Institute of Education. It concludes with a subjective summary of the value of systematic reviews of sexual health promotion, and outlines some recommendations for the conduct of systematic reviews of the promotion of sexual health and health promotion in general.Less
This chapter brings together the results of experimental evaluations of sexual health intervention in the form of systematic reviews. It explores the extent to which systematic reviews are reliable and useful, and their relevance to the field of sexual health. The chapter makes extensive use of examples from a programme of work on evidence-based health promotion undertaken at the Evidence Informed Policy and Practice Information and Coordinating Centre (EPPI-Centre) at the Social Science Research Unit, University of London Institute of Education. It concludes with a subjective summary of the value of systematic reviews of sexual health promotion, and outlines some recommendations for the conduct of systematic reviews of the promotion of sexual health and health promotion in general.
Mark Petticrew
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199563623
- eISBN:
- 9780191722554
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199563623.003.021
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
Assessing ‘study quality’ is a key component of the systematic review process that is much contested. Systematic reviewers would argue that the purpose is to ensure that the final synthesis of ...
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Assessing ‘study quality’ is a key component of the systematic review process that is much contested. Systematic reviewers would argue that the purpose is to ensure that the final synthesis of evidence is based on the most robust studies; that is, those least susceptible to bias. A range of appraisal tools and checklists are often employed to ensure that attention is duly given to the main sources of bias, but to the non-initiated this approach often seems formulaic and narrowly focused, and risks privileging a few key aspects of internal validity over other important aspects of research, such as its utility and generalizability. Moreover, for critics, the process of quality assessment seems to reduce the task of reviewing evidence to a series of box-ticking exercises, as opposed to an appraisal of the usefulness of research for decision making purposes. The application of quality criteria becomes particularly difficult when reviewing public health evidence, because the range of types of evidence to be included is potentially wide. In this context, excluding studies on grounds of ‘validity’ or ‘quality’ alone may inadvertently introduce further biases. This chapter gives examples of this problem drawn from public health systematic reviews in the fields of tobacco control, transport, and physical activity. Despite such potential pitfalls, systematic reviews do need to include an assessment of the risk of bias posed by each study, without taking it to extremes. The chapter also describes some of the challenges.Less
Assessing ‘study quality’ is a key component of the systematic review process that is much contested. Systematic reviewers would argue that the purpose is to ensure that the final synthesis of evidence is based on the most robust studies; that is, those least susceptible to bias. A range of appraisal tools and checklists are often employed to ensure that attention is duly given to the main sources of bias, but to the non-initiated this approach often seems formulaic and narrowly focused, and risks privileging a few key aspects of internal validity over other important aspects of research, such as its utility and generalizability. Moreover, for critics, the process of quality assessment seems to reduce the task of reviewing evidence to a series of box-ticking exercises, as opposed to an appraisal of the usefulness of research for decision making purposes. The application of quality criteria becomes particularly difficult when reviewing public health evidence, because the range of types of evidence to be included is potentially wide. In this context, excluding studies on grounds of ‘validity’ or ‘quality’ alone may inadvertently introduce further biases. This chapter gives examples of this problem drawn from public health systematic reviews in the fields of tobacco control, transport, and physical activity. Despite such potential pitfalls, systematic reviews do need to include an assessment of the risk of bias posed by each study, without taking it to extremes. The chapter also describes some of the challenges.
Ross C. Brownson and Diana B. Petitti (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195187410
- eISBN:
- 9780199864997
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195187410.001.0001
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health, Epidemiology
This book focuses on areas of public health practice in which the systematic application of epidemiologic methods can have a large and positive impact. It describes how best to apply traditional ...
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This book focuses on areas of public health practice in which the systematic application of epidemiologic methods can have a large and positive impact. It describes how best to apply traditional epidemiologic methods for determining disease etiology to “real-life” problems in public health and health services research. This book bridges the gap between theoretical epidemiology and public health practice, and covers a number of topics not addressed elsewhere. This edition contains a new chapter on the development and use of systematic reviews and one on epidemiology and the law. Each chapter includes one or more case studies intended to illustrate major points from the chapter and to provide a basis for teaching exercises. All of the chapters are authored by leading experts in the fields of epidemiology and public health, and all are fully revised and updated.Less
This book focuses on areas of public health practice in which the systematic application of epidemiologic methods can have a large and positive impact. It describes how best to apply traditional epidemiologic methods for determining disease etiology to “real-life” problems in public health and health services research. This book bridges the gap between theoretical epidemiology and public health practice, and covers a number of topics not addressed elsewhere. This edition contains a new chapter on the development and use of systematic reviews and one on epidemiology and the law. Each chapter includes one or more case studies intended to illustrate major points from the chapter and to provide a basis for teaching exercises. All of the chapters are authored by leading experts in the fields of epidemiology and public health, and all are fully revised and updated.
Lawrence A. Palinkas
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195398489
- eISBN:
- 9780199928583
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195398489.003.0002
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
This chapter introduces a conceptual framework of the different types of research evidence, including evidence obtained from observational, quasi-experimental, and experimental primary research ...
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This chapter introduces a conceptual framework of the different types of research evidence, including evidence obtained from observational, quasi-experimental, and experimental primary research studies, systematic research reviews, existing databases and clearinghouses, practice guidelines, and the role of evidence-based practice collectives. The chapter also reviews the approaches to diffusion, dissemination, and implementation as they relate to emerging translational research and explains the differences between Type I research activities that involve studies of the efficacy of practice-based interventions derived from basic research, Type II research activities that seek to determine whether such interventions can retain their effectiveness when applied in real-world settings, and Type III activities that focus on the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices found to be efficacious and effective. The chapter concludes with an examination of the operation of these activities within the context of the discipline and practice of social work and its core mission.Less
This chapter introduces a conceptual framework of the different types of research evidence, including evidence obtained from observational, quasi-experimental, and experimental primary research studies, systematic research reviews, existing databases and clearinghouses, practice guidelines, and the role of evidence-based practice collectives. The chapter also reviews the approaches to diffusion, dissemination, and implementation as they relate to emerging translational research and explains the differences between Type I research activities that involve studies of the efficacy of practice-based interventions derived from basic research, Type II research activities that seek to determine whether such interventions can retain their effectiveness when applied in real-world settings, and Type III activities that focus on the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices found to be efficacious and effective. The chapter concludes with an examination of the operation of these activities within the context of the discipline and practice of social work and its core mission.
Michael Saini and Aron Shlonsky
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195387216
- eISBN:
- 9780199932092
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195387216.003.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
The introduction chapter of the book explores the evolution of qualitative research within the framework of evidence-based practice and its inclusion in the family of systematic reviews. This chapter ...
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The introduction chapter of the book explores the evolution of qualitative research within the framework of evidence-based practice and its inclusion in the family of systematic reviews. This chapter briefly recounts the history of qualitative systematic reviews across disciplines and within systematic review enterprises, including the Cochrane and the Campbell collaborations. Although qualitative approaches have traditionally been excluded from systematic reviews, the tides are slowly turning. There is a growing interest devoted to improving the methods for including qualitative reviews within the family of systematic reviews. Numerous approaches are now available for conducting qualitative synthesis. Methods have been developed specifically for including qualitative primary studies, whereas other methods have been created to combine quantitative and qualitative studies.Less
The introduction chapter of the book explores the evolution of qualitative research within the framework of evidence-based practice and its inclusion in the family of systematic reviews. This chapter briefly recounts the history of qualitative systematic reviews across disciplines and within systematic review enterprises, including the Cochrane and the Campbell collaborations. Although qualitative approaches have traditionally been excluded from systematic reviews, the tides are slowly turning. There is a growing interest devoted to improving the methods for including qualitative reviews within the family of systematic reviews. Numerous approaches are now available for conducting qualitative synthesis. Methods have been developed specifically for including qualitative primary studies, whereas other methods have been created to combine quantitative and qualitative studies.
