Article

A systematic review (SR) is an essential component of evidence-based practice,
because it synthesizes information on a particular topic that is necessary to
inform health-related decision making. The purpose of this article is to document
the process of producing a high-quality SR within the field of rehabilitation in
contrast to other fields (eg, pharmaceutic research).
We describe the notable
methodologic challenges to producing high-quality SRs for rehabilitation
researchers. Broadly, we outline how the quality of SRs is evaluated and suggest
mechanisms for researchers to address potential pitfalls. Because meaningful SRs
can and should be conducted in this field, we provide practical guidance
regarding how to conduct such an SR. We outline a series of 8 important steps in
the production of an SR: forming a committee, creating a development plan,
conducting a literature review, selecting articles for inclusion, extracting
data, preparing tables of evidence, facilitating external review and publication,
and forming conclusions and recommendations. For each step of the SR process, we
provide detailed description about the methodologic decisions involved and
recommended strategies that researchers can implement to produce a high-quality
SR. Using these preestablished steps and procedures as a guideline will not only
help to increase the efficiency of the SR process, but also to improve the
quality. The availability of high-quality SRs with plain language summaries
promotes access to the best quality information for all involved in decision making.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS