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Systematic review versus structured critical analysis
1Private Practice, Mill Valley, CA, USA.
Cranio : the Journal of Craniomandibular Practice
|May 16, 2019
Summary
Systematic reviews (SRs) often lack methodological rigor, impacting reliability. A new structured critical analysis (SCA) method is proposed to improve the quality and validity of literature reviews in restorative dentistry.
Area of Science:
- Dental research
- Evidence-based dentistry
Background:
- Systematic reviews (SRs) are crucial for clinical decision-making.
- Current SRs face challenges compromising their scientific validity and reliability.
- Existing literature review methodologies may not adequately address these issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify common problems in current systematic reviews (SRs).
- To introduce a novel Structured Critical Analysis (SCA) method for SRs or as an alternative review design.
- To enhance the methodological quality and scientific validity of literature reviews.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey evaluated 100 SRs in interdisciplinary restorative dentistry.
- Methodological quality and its impact on scientific validity were assessed.
- The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was a reference.
Main Results:
- 99/100 SRs reported adherence to PRISMA guidelines.
- Only 8/100 SRs reported a low risk of bias.
- 44/100 SRs exhibited high statistical heterogeneity, precluding meta-analysis.
- Critical analysis was present in only 94% of the evaluated paragraphs.
Conclusions:
- Significant deficiencies exist in current SRs, potentially compromising their reliability.
- Readers must critically evaluate SRs beyond adherence to reporting guidelines.
- The proposed Structured Critical Analysis (SCA) offers a potential solution to improve SR quality.
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