Table 2 Common challenges in selection of studies
Challenges in study selection | Acceptable solution |
|---|---|
Different measurements | Choose the most common or valid measure Convert to a common measure Request more information from author |
Different statistical analysis | Set a spreadsheet for data overview before transfer to statistical software |
Incompatible results | Report them in the text as a narrative synthesis Report them in a separate table |
Unclear data | Contact authors for clarification |
Unusable or non-numerical data | Report in the review to avoid bias |
No outcome of interest or selective reporting of outcomes | Request more information from authors Can exclude the study if specific outcome is not included in the eligibility criteria |