Tool for Assessing Risk of Bias in Randomised Trials, Coursework Example

Introduction

In response to Slavin (2008), the most effective approach to a systematic review is to reduce the level of bias that exists and to be proactive in selecting studies with a viable purpose and focus in order to achieve the intended results. This process requires a detailed evaluation of each selected study without a preference or bias in mind, thereby creating a greater focus on content above all else (Slavin, 2008). At the same time, there must be a strategy in place that will support ongoing progress and an understanding that prior studies may have some degree of relevance to the subject area under consideration (Slavin, 2008).

Body

When synthesizing evidence, the minimization of bias is of critical importance because it permits a more well-rounded approach to study evaluation and critique that will have a lasting impact on outcomes (Viswanathan et.al, 2012). At the same time, a strategy must evolve that will incorporate an evaluation of bias in prior studies so that the conclusions drawn are most effective and appropriate in meeting the needs of a given population group (Higgins et.al, 2011). These tools must be used in conjunction with existing knowledge in order to propel the systematic review to the next level and to be effective in supporting a viable framework for success in shifting the paradigm of systematic reviews (Higgins et.al, 2011).

Conclusion

Systematic reviews must provide an effective means of examining prior research without significant bias and other challenges that may impact the study results. This is an important step towards the discovery of new ideas and techniques that will have a lasting impact on the review process and how it will influence future studies. Therefore, the reduction of bias is an essential component of this process and requires a focused approach in order to achieve the intended results.

References

Higgins, J. P., Altman, D. G., Gøtzsche, P. C., Jüni, P., Moher, D., Oxman, A. D., … & Sterne, J. (2011). The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias in randomised trials. Bmj, 343.

Slavin, R.E. (2008). Perspectives on evidence-based research in education: what works? Synthesizing educational program evaluations. Educational Researcher, 37(1), 5-14.

Viswanathan, M., Ansari, M. T., Berkman, N. D., Chang, S., Hartling, L., McPheeters, M., … & Treadwell, J. R. (2012). Assessing the risk of bias of individual studies in systematic reviews of health care interventions.