What is publication bias?
Studies with positive results more likely to be published than negative results
What is the function of peer review?
- Quality filter
- Important in determining what gets published is high enough quality
What are the issues with peer review?
- Training of referees
- Motivation of referees
- Timing of review
- Blind/ open review
Define critical appraisal
- Process of ASSESSING and INTERPRETING evidence
- In terms of its VALIDITY, RELEVANCE and RESULTS
What makes a BAD research paper?
- Not needed
- Incorrect choice of study design
- Poor design
- Poorly reported
How may the question of a paper be determined?
PICO
- Population
- Intervention
- Comparison
- Outcome
Define RISK
Total number of events/ Total number of observations (as %)
Define ODDS
Total number of events of interest/ Number without the event (decimal)
Define RISK RATIO
Risk of outcome in new tx group/ Risk of outcome in comparison group
Define ODDS RATIO
Odds of outcome in new tx group/ Odds of outcome in comparison group
Define dichrotomous data
1 of 2 mutually exclusive states
Define continuous data
Changes in something (can be measured on a scale)
What is a contingency table?
Used to compare data from 2 diff groups
Define ABSOLUTE RISK
Difference between risk of outcome in intervention group + comparison group
Define NUMBER NEEDED TO TREAT
1/ Absolute Risk Reduction (ARR)
The number of pt needed to be treated to prevent 1 bad outcome
Define CONFOUNDING VARIABLE
Uncontrolled variable which influences the study
Define P VALUE
Measurement of strength against hypothesis
<0.05 = significant, NH rejected >0.05 = not significant, NH not rejected
