Systematic Review

Clinical Scenario:
Research Question (PICOM):
Search Terms:

Citation: 1st 2 authors et al, title, journal, date (including date of month), volume, page range.
(EX. Venkatesh et al. Adjunctive glucocorticoid therapy in patients with septic shock. NEJM 2018;
378(9):797-808.)

How serious is the risk of bias?

Did the review address a focused clinical question?
Inclusion criteria

Was the search for relevant studies detailed and exhaustive?

Was the selection of studies reproducible?

Was the risk of bias of the primary studies assessed?

What are the results? Understanding the Summary Estimate of a Meta-analysis

What is the magnitude of treatment effect? (i.e., what is the
pooled estimate)

How precise are the results? (i.e., confidence interval around

the pooled estimate)

What are the results? Rating Confidence in the Estimates (the Quality of a Body of Evidence)
Are the results consistent across studies? (i.e. heterogeneity
or inconsistency)

Is there a concern about reporting or publication bias?

Overall, what is the quality of the body of evidence by

outcome? (High, moderate, low, very low)

How can I apply the results to my patient care?

Is the study population similar to your patient?

Did the review present results that are ready for clinical
application?

Are likely benefits worth potential harms/costs?

Clinical bottomline:

Reviewer:
Date:

Adapted from Duke University and McMaster Evidence-based Practice Workshops and
the Users' Guide to the Medical Literature 3rd Ed.