Back to Search Start Over

How to avoid bias in systematic reviews of observational studies

Authors :
Carlos Podalirio Borges de Almeida
Bárbara Niegia Garcia de Goulart
Source :
Revista CEFAC, Vol 19, Iss 4, Pp 551-555
Publisher :
Associação Brasileira de Motricidade Orofacial - ABRAMO.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Although systematic reviews have numerous advantages, they are vulnerable to biases that can mask the true results of the study and therefore should be interpreted with caution. This article aims at critically reviewing the literature about systematic reviews of observational studies, emphasizing the errors that can affect this type of study design and possible strategies to overcome these errors. This is an integrative literature review whose search was conducted in the databases States National Library of Medicine, Scientific Electronic Library Online and Google Scholar. The following descriptors were used: review, bias (epidemiology) and observational studies as the subject, including relevant books and documents which were consulted. Data collection was conducted between June and July 2016. The most known errors present in the design of systematic reviews were those related to the selection and publication. Although this type of study is subject to possible errors, preventive measures used during the planning of systematic reviews and even during and after their implementation can help ensure scientific rigor. This literature can serve as an important tool for the development and interpretation of systematic reviews of observational studies.

Details

Language :
English, Spanish; Castilian, Portuguese
ISSN :
19820216
Volume :
19
Issue :
4
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Revista CEFAC
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.65021128483140c48d437614f2f0e0a4
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-021620171941117