Literature Reviews in Mental Health Research

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a literature review?

To conduct statistical analysis of various studies

To summarize and synthesize previously published academic work (correct)

To critically evaluate only qualitative research

To provide a detailed report of observational studies

Which statement describes a systematic review?

It involves a comprehensive and reproducible search for all relevant evidence (correct)

It only includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs)

It is a non-reproducible summary of qualitative evidence

It solely focuses on appraising the quality of studies

What characteristic is unique to modern meta-analyses?

They do not require a methods section

They assess pooled results and their significance (correct)

They always provide a narrative summary without statistics

They only focus on qualitative data

Which of the following is NOT a component of a literature review?

Statistical analysis of combined data Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates a systematic review from a traditional literature review?

Systematic reviews employ exhaustive searches and methods for replication Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic that differentiates a systematic review from a narrative review?

Systematic reviews involve a quality review of included studies. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential disadvantage of a systematic review?

They can miss significant evidence due to publication bias. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an advantage of systematic reviews and meta-analyses?

They make overall findings clearer through data aggregation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of a narrative review?

It is more subjective and may present bias in findings. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of publication bias in systematic reviews?

Overlooked important evidence due to selective reporting. Signup and view all the answers

What is a purpose of indexing in research articles?

To identify and categorize articles using standardized terms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a legitimate search limit option in bibliographic databases?

Journal impact factor Signup and view all the answers

What is the PICOS framework used for in research?

Formulating a search strategy for systematic reviews Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to have a clear rationale when setting search limits?

To justify the inclusion or exclusion of studies Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to keep track of your search history in research databases?

Create a personal account and save your searches Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the PRISMA 2020 statement?

To improve transparency and completeness in reporting Signup and view all the answers

How many items are on the PRISMA 2020 checklist?

27 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a new aspect included in PRISMA 2020?

Guidance on reporting search strategies Signup and view all the answers

What does the PRISMA 2020 abstract checklist aim to improve?

Clarity in review abstracts Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT an intended benefit of implementing PRISMA 2020?

Standardized statistical results across studies Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reviews does the PRISMA 2020 guideline apply to?

Various systematic reviews, with or without meta-analyses Signup and view all the answers

What does PRISMA 2020 encourage authors to use alongside the checklist?

An explanation and elaboration document Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of reporting is enhanced by the revised flow diagrams in PRISMA 2020?

Study selection process Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of developing a search strategy in research?

To ensure the research question informs the search Signup and view all the answers

Which practice is recommended when formulating a search strategy?

Be over-inclusive and broad Signup and view all the answers

What does the Prisma Checklist assist with in a systematic review?

Making decisions regarding study eligibility criteria Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to track during the systematic review process according to Prisma guidelines?

Stages of search and numbers of studies Signup and view all the answers

How many bibliographic databases are recommended to effectively search for peer-reviewed articles?

3-6 Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use multiple databases for research?

To ensure thoroughness in literature search Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the data extraction process according to Prisma guidelines?

Relevant study characteristics and outcomes Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym PICOS in study eligibility criteria stand for?

Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, Study Design Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the PROSPERO database in conducting a systematic review?

To enhance the transparency of the review protocol Signup and view all the answers

Which aspects should be clearly specified in the research question when planning a systematic review?

Population, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, study designs Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key components to include when developing a protocol for a systematic review?

Inclusion and exclusion criteria for study selection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is essential to ensure the reliability of a systematic review?

Developing a comprehensive search strategy Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of a systematic review's quality assessment approach?

Assessing the methodological rigor of the studies Signup and view all the answers

When conducting a systematic review, what framework can be used to assist in defining the research question?

PICOS framework Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the search strategy of a systematic review?

Keywords and databases to be used for searching Signup and view all the answers

What document outlines the methods for conducting a systematic review?

Detailed protocol Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Session 9: 8th Nov Study Notes

Literature Searches and Systematic Literature Reviews
- Lead Teachers: Sarah Rowe
- Topics covered: Principles and Processes of Systematic Reviews
- Reading list: PSBS0002: Core Principles of Mental Health Research, University College London (talis.com)
Class Prep:
- Additional Resources
  - A 24-Step Guide on How to Design, Conduct, and Successfully Publish a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Medical Research (read)
  - Maudsley Debates (webpage)
  - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials of Peer Support for People with Severe Mental Illness (read)
  - LibGuides at UCL (webpage)
  - 5 Key Things to Know About Meta-Analysis (read)
  - Guidance Notes for Registering a Systematic Review Protocol with PROSPERO (read)
  - PROSPERO (webpage)
  - The Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (website)
  - The Cochrane Collaboration Website (website)
Planning the Review
- Define the Research Question: Clearly specify the research using the PICOS framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, Study Design)
- Develop a Protocol: Create a detailed protocol detailing methods of the review, including inclusion/exclusion criteria, search strategy, data extraction, quality assessment, and analysis plan. Register the protocol with a database like PROSPERO.
Conducting the Review
- Literature Search: Search multiple electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library), use a comprehensive search strategy with relevant keywords and MeSH terms, include grey literature, and document the entire search process.
- Study Selection: Independently screen titles and abstracts from at least two reviewers. Assess full texts of potentially eligible studies and resolve any disagreements. Document reasons for exclusion.
- Data Extraction: Use a standardized form to extract relevant data from included studies. Two reviewers should independently extract data to ensure accuracy.
Analyzing and Reporting Results
- Data Synthesis: Conduct a narrative synthesis of findings; perform meta-analyses to pool quantitative results if appropriate; assess heterogeneity between studies and consider subgroup analyses or meta-regression to explore sources of heterogeneity.
- Interpret Findings: Summarize main results, discuss strengths and limitations of review, and consider implications for practice and future research.
- Reporting: Adhere to the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews. Clearly and completely describe methods, results, and conclusions. Use tables and figures when appropriate. Acknowledge potential biases (like publication bias).
Additional Considerations
- Involve stakeholders like patients and clinicians in the review process.
- Update the review regularly to incorporate new evidence.
Key: PRISMA
- The PRISMA 2020 statement is a guideline for reporting systematic reviews, improving transparency and completeness.
- Covers purpose and scope, key components (checklist, expanded checklist, abstract checklist, flow diagrams etc), main updates (reporting on search strategies, selection, analysis and modifications for improved implementation), and intended benefits (increased transparency, enhancing reader ability to assess findings of the review, facilitating evidence-based decision-making).
Key: Pre-Lecture Literature Review
- Summarise and synthesis previously published academic research on the topic in question, including research findings from studies, a summary of the quality of the studies, and the current evidence on the relevant topic.
Key: Systematic Review
- Reports a comprehensive and reproducible search.
- Uses exhaustive steps to trace all relevant evidence.
Meta-Analysis
- Statistical pooling of similar research results from different studies—often leading to greater statistical power than individual original studies. The purpose is to assess overall effect size and its significance between and within studies.
Advantages of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
- Avoids subjectivity by comprehensively evaluating all available data. Prevents missing evidence, especially important when pooling data to improve the overall quality of results.
Limitations of Systematic Reviews
- Publication bias: Negative or non-significant results can be less often published than positive findings.
- Variation amongst study design, participants, interventions and time periods.
- Consider all available information, not just readily accessible data. This includes gray literature, reports or data that is sometimes overlooked.
Designing Systematic Reviews
- Define a Research Question: As precise and detailed as possible.
- Consider PRISMA Guidelines: Use these standards for reporting and consider consulting with information technologists or librarians.
- Define Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: PICOS framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, study design). Identify the characteristics of the research participants, intervention and outcome measurements, comparators of the experimental group, and the type of studies to be included in the review.
- Specify Sources/Languages/Dates: Specify the sources to be searched and the date range criteria for searches (e.g., databases, grey literature sources). Specify the language criteria and review the inclusion parameters.
- Decide on Data Extraction Methods: Use forms to extract data to ensure accuracy and repeatability, including important details on study design, study context, results, and related information from each included study.
- Decide how to Synthesise Studies: Determine whether meta-analysis is appropriate and, if appropriate, the approach for pooling and summarizing results. Evaluate for study similarity through consistent quality and consideration of statistical reporting.
- Register Protocol: Use the international prospective registry of systematic reviews—PROSPERO.
Practical Example
- Develop a search strategy for a review of psychological interventions for adolescents who self-harm.
- Use the PICOS framework, including specific details on population (aged 12–18), interventions (CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy), comparators (Treatment as Usual or waitlist controls), outcomes (self-harm frequency, intensity, inpatient bed use, social functioning), and study design (randomized controlled trials).
Information Sources: - UCL Library services. - Bibliographic Databases (use at least 3~6 databases). - Useful Databases for MH Research, including Medline, Pubmed etc - Grey literature sources (PhD theses, reports, etc.).

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the essential principles and processes involved in conducting systematic literature reviews, especially within mental health research. This quiz covers key resources and guidance, including protocols for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Perfect for students and professionals looking to enhance their knowledge in evidence-based practices.