Table 2 Results of systematic reviews with an IfR statement

Location of IfR statement:

 Discussion

137 (65.2)

 Conclusion

44 (21.0)

 Both, discussion and conclusion

29 (13.8)

IfR statement and primary outcome:

 Primary outcome not defined

95 (45.2)

 IfR do not refer to primary outcome

90 (42.9)

 IfR do refer to primary outcome

25 (11.9)

PICO elements (alone or any combination):^a

 Intervention

121 (57.6)

 Patient

113 (53.8)

 Study design

107 (51.0)

 Outcome

55 (26.2)

 Control

27 (12.9)

Relevant combinations of PICO elements and study design:^b

 Patient and intervention

71 (33.8)

 Patient, intervention and study design

34 (16.2)

 Patient, intervention and outcome

21 (10.0)

 Patient, intervention, outcome, study design

8 (3.8)

Concepts underlying GRADE domains addressed:^c

 Risk for bias

2 (1.0)

 Imprecision

1 (0.5)

 Inconsistency

1 (0.5)

 Not mentioned

206 (98.1)

Additional IfR elements:^d

 Costs effectiveness

9 (4.3)

 Reporting standards

4 (1.9)

 IPD meta-analysis

4 (1.9)

Stop statement for further research:

 No

207 (98.6)

 Yes

3 (1.4)