Annals of Internal Medicine
17 February 2015, Vol. 162. No. 4
http://annals.org/issue.aspx
.
Research and Reporting Methods | 17 February 2015
Innovations in Data Collection, Management, and Archiving for Systematic Reviews
Tianjing Li, MD, MHS, PhD; S. Swaroop Vedula, MBBS, PhD; Nira Hadar, MS, PhD; Christopher Parkin, MS; Joseph Lau, MD; and Kay Dickersin, MA, PhD
Ann Intern Med. 2015;162(4):287-294. doi:10.7326/M14-1603
Abstract
Data abstraction is a key step in conducting systematic reviews because data collected from study reports form the basis of appropriate conclusions. Recent methodological standards and expectations highlight several principles for data collection. To support implementation of these standards, this article provides a step-by-step tutorial for selecting data collection tools; constructing data collection forms; and abstracting, managing, and archiving data for systematic reviews. Examples are drawn from recent experience using the Systematic Review Data Repository for data collection and management. If it is done well, data collection for systematic reviews only needs to be done by 1 team and placed into a publicly accessible database for future use. Technological innovations, such as the Systematic Review Data Repository, will contribute to finding trustworthy answers for many health and health care questions.

.
Ideas and Opinions | 17 February 2015
Ethical Guidance on the Use of Life-Sustaining Therapies for Patients With Ebola in Developed Countries
Scott D. Halpern, MD, PhD; and Ezekiel J. Emanuel, MD, PhD
Article and Author Information
Ann Intern Med. 2015;162(4):304-305. doi:10.7326/M14-2611
This article was published online first at http://www.annals.org on 30 December 2014