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The effect direction plot: visual display of non-standardised effects across multiple outcome domains
Hilary J Thomson1, Sian Thomas
1MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit Glasgow, Scotland, G12 8RZ, UK.
Research Synthesis Methods
|June 25, 2013
Summary
Visual summaries of health impacts from housing improvements can improve systematic reviews when standardized effect sizes are unavailable. This approach enhances data accessibility and transparency for reviewers and readers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Systematic Review Methodology
Background:
- Forest plots are standard for systematic reviews but can misrepresent evidence when standardized effect sizes are missing.
- Tabulated data summaries accompanying narrative syntheses can be lengthy and obscure the link between data and conclusions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the preparation of visual summaries for effect direction across multiple outcomes in housing improvement health impact studies.
- To enhance accessibility and transparency in systematic reviews lacking standardized effect sizes.
Main Methods:
- Developed a one-page visual summary of reported health outcomes for 29 quantitative studies.
- Included study design, internal validity, sample size, follow-up time, and intermediate outcomes (e.g., housing condition).
Main Results:
- A concise visual summary was created to accompany a 10,000-word narrative synthesis.
- The summary effectively presented complex data, aiding cross-study analysis.
Conclusions:
- Visual summaries of effect direction offer a valuable alternative when standardized effect sizes are unavailable in systematic reviews.
- This method improves the accessibility and transparency of complex health impact data from housing improvement studies.
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