VCU LibrariesResearch Guides

For this assignment, you will:

1. select one of the topics below
2. locate a system review or systematic review with meta-analysis
3. read Murad et al. How to read a systematic review and meta-analysis and apply the results to patient care.
4. appraise the quality of the article using the worksheet provided

The suggested readings at the bottom of the page will better equip you to use the worksheet and complete the assignment.

Treatment of preterm labor (e.g. tocolytics, steroids, IV Mg)

Cesarean section techniques (e.g. staples versus subcuticular for skin closure, single versus double layer uterine closure, closure versus non-closure of the peritoneum, +/- second layer on uterus)

Ann Intern Med. 1997;126(5):376-380. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-126-5-199703010-00006

​Murad, M. H., Montori, V. M., Ioannidis, J. P., Jaeschke, R., Devereaux, P. J., Prasad, K., . . . Guyatt, G. (2014). How to read a systematic review and meta-analysis and apply the results to patient care: Users' guides to the medical literature. JAMA, 312(2), 171-179. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.5559 [doi]

Callcut, R. A., & Branson, R. D. (2009). How to read a review paper. Respiratory Care, 54(10), 1379-1385.

Yuan, Y., & Hunt, R. H. (2009). Systematic reviews: The good, the bad, and the ugly. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 104(5), 1086-1092. doi:10.1038/ajg.2009.118 [doi]

Clarke, M. (2008). Interpreting the results of systematic reviews. Seminars in Hematology, 45(3), 176-180. doi:10.1053/j.seminhematol.2008.04.002 [doi]

Cook, D. J., Mulrow, C. D., & Haynes, R. B. (1997). Systematic reviews: Synthesis of best evidence for clinical decisions. Annals of Internal Medicine, 126(5), 376-380.

Greenhalgh, T. (1997). Papers that summarise other papers (systematic reviews and meta-analyses). BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 315(7109), 672-675.