RMC (with Complete Solutions)

Why do we summarise past research? correct answers 1. To identify gaps in the literature - What is the next research question that needs to be asked? - Are there conflicting findings? 2. To work out what the research is telling us. What happens when we incorrectly summarise past research? i.e. through a narrative review correct answers - Waste time (undertaking poor research) - Waste money (client's money, taxpayers money) - Tell people the wrong things to do What are examples of traditional/narrative reviews? correct answers - Expert opinion - Traditional/narrative literature reviews - Textbooks What are some features of a narrative review? correct answers - The question addressed is broad in scope - The sources and search terms are not listed (introduces bias) - How studies are selected is not mentioned (which were included and which ones were left out) - The appraisal/critique of each study is highly variable - The conclusion (synthesis of literature) is biased (qualitative) What does a qualitative approach to synthesis of literature involve? correct answers Evaluating some studies as more important than others, based on our own judgement, opinion, or personal preference for studies. What are the features of a systematic review? correct answers • Question: Very specific (PICO framework) • Sources & Search: All disclosed. These are reported in the review. • Selection: We have a criterion which is systematically applied to all studies. • Appraisal: Each study is evaluated using a systematic approach. • Synthesis: Meta-analysis is a quantitative approach. What is a primary study? correct answers Where the study itself is the one that collected data What is the levels of evidence concept? correct answers Levels of Evidence are Guidelines to help us rank the evidence in terms of their quality Does the top part of the 'levels of evidence' pyramid indicate the strongest or weakest level of evidence? correct answers Strongest What is the lowest level of the pyramid? correct answers Editorials, Expert Opinion, Textbooks What is the lowest level of primary study in the pyramid? correct answers Case Series, Case Reports