Abstract
Objectives
To review the current knowledge and efforts on updating systematic reviews (SRs) as
applied to comparative effectiveness reviews (CERs).
Study Design and Setting
This article outlines considerations for updating CERs by including a definition of
the updating process, describing issues around assessing whether to update, and providing
general guidelines for the update process. Key points to consider include (1) identifying
when to update CERs, (2) how to update CERs, and (3) how to present, report, and interpret
updated results in CERs.
Results
Currently, there is little information about what proportion of SRs needs updating.
Similarly, there is no consensus on when to initiate updating and how best to carry
it out.
Conclusion
CERs need to be regularly updated as new evidence is produced. Lack of attention to
updating may lead to outdated and sometimes misleading conclusions that compromise
health care and policy decisions. The article outlines several specific goals for
future research, one of them being the development of efficient guideline for updating
CERs applicable across evidence-based practice centers.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 20, 2011
Accepted:
March 13,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
