Bias can undermine the validity and reliability of study findings, leading to incorrect conclusions about the effectiveness or safety of interventions. It can affect clinical decision-making, policy development, and patient care by influencing treatment guidelines and recommendations.

• Check out our info cards: Bias in Evidence Synthesis
• Learn more about the recommended tool to assess the risk of bias in randomized trials included in Cochrane Reviews: Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2)

Sources:

• Boutron I, Page MJ, Higgins JPT, Altman DG, Lundh A, Hróbjartsson A. Chapter 7: Considering bias and conflicts of interest among the included studies. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 6.4 (updated August 2023). Available from www.training.cochrane.org/handbook
• Page MJ, Higgins J, Sambunjak D, Cumpston M, Watts C. Module 5: Introduction to study quality and risk of bias. Cochrane Interactive Learning: Conducting an intervention review. Cochrane, 2017. Available from https://training.cochrane.org/interactivelearning/module-5-introduction-study-quality-and-risk-bias 

A Core Outcome Set (COS) in research refers to a standardized list of outcomes that that researchers should measure and report in all studies about a specific condition or treatment.

This helps ensure that research results are consistent and meaningful for patients, health professionals, and any other involved in the health decision-making process.

• Check out our info cards: Core Outcome Set

Source:

•  COMET Initiative

Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) embodies the seamless integration of clinical judgment, relevant scientific evidence, and respect for patients' values and preferences. Imagine your healthcare tailored with precision, combining the practitioner's experience, the latest research findings, and your unique preferences for a personalized treatment approach.

• Check out our info cards: Evidence Based Medicine

Source:

• Cochrane Evidence Essentials
• Sackett DL, Rosenberg WM, Gray JA, Haynes RB, Richardson WS. Evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn't. BMJ. 1996 Jan 13;312(7023):71-2. doi: 10.1136/bmj.312.7023.71. PMID: 8555924; PMCID: PMC2349778.

Developing a systematic review begins with crafting a detailed protocol - a blueprint that outlines the entire research process. Protocols are fundamental in evidence synthesis methodology because they establish clear research questions, eligibility criteria, and methods for data collection and analysis. By setting these criteria upfront, protocols ensure transparency, reduce bias, and enhance the reproducibility of systematic reviews.

• Check out our info cards: Evidence-Synthesis Protocol

Source:

• Cumpston M, Chandler J. Chapter II: Planning a Cochrane Review. In: Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page MJ, Welch VA (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 6.4 (updated August 2023). Cochrane, 2023. Available from www.training.cochrane.org/handbook.

Network Meta-analysis (NMAs) enable a comprehensive comparison of various therapeutic options, focusing on their relative efficacy and safety.

By synthesizing data from different studies, NMAs empower clinicians and policymakers with valuable insights for informed decision-making. However, to achieve this level of evidence, doing a NMA requires some assumptions to be satisfied, and a lot of effort and resources.

• Check out our info cards: Network Meta-analysis
• To see a practical example of how to write an NMA in the field of MS: Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis: a network meta‐analysis

Source:

• Chaimani A, Caldwell DM, Li T, Higgins JPT, Salanti G. Chapter 11: Undertaking network meta-analyses. In: Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page MJ, Welch VA (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 6.4 (updated August 2023). Cochrane, 2023. Available from www.training.cochrane.org/handbook 

Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) offer a direct perspective from patients about their health conditions, significantly enhancing the understanding of treatment impacts on their daily lives. PROs are fundamental for informed clinical decision-making and patient-centered care, capturing aspects without the additional interpretation of clinicians or caregivers.

• Check out our info cards: Patient-Reported Outcomes
• Find examples of systematic reviews targeting PRos in Cochrane Library

Sources:

• Johnston BC, Patrick DL, Devji T, Maxwell LJ, Bingham III CO, Beaton D, Boers M, Briel M, Busse JW, Carrasco-Labra A, Christensen R, da Costa BR, El Dib R, Lyddiatt A, Ostelo RW, Shea B, Singh J, Terwee CB, Williamson PR, Gagnier JJ, Tugwell P, Guyatt GH. Chapter 18: Patient-reported outcomes. In: Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page MJ, Welch VA (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions version 6.4 (updated August 2023). Cochrane, 2023. Available from www.training.cochrane.org/handbook

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are the gold standard in medical research, providing crucial insights into the effectiveness and safety of new treatments. Their design helps eliminate bias and ensures that any observed effects are due to the treatment itself rather than other factors, like context or individual differences.

RCTs play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge, guiding clinical practice, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

• Check out our info cards: Randomized Controlled Trials

Source:

• Cochrane Evidence Essentials

Developing a Research Priority Setting (RPS) involves identifying which areas of research are most important for improving our understanding of a disease or condition. Experts, patients, and other stakeholders work together to identify these priorities based on what is most urgently needed.

There is no clear definition of RPS, and its purpose can vary a lot. Overall, RPSs efforts are fundamental to reduce research waste.

• Check out our info cards: Research Priority Settings
• Our most recent publication on the issue: Priority Setting in MS - a worldwide project

Source:

• Cochrane Methods Priority Setting Group
• Cochrane Training: Guidance for Cochrane Review Priority Settings
• Students 4 Best Evidence: Research Priority Settings