Study-based registers of randomized controlled trials: starting a systematic review with data extraction or meta-analysis

Shokraneh, Farhad; Adams, Clive Elliott

Abstract

Introduction: Despite years of use of study-based registers for storing reports of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the methodology used in developing such registers/databases has not been documented. Such registers are integral to the process of scientific reviewing. We document and discuss methodological aspects of the development and use of study-based registers. Although the content is focused on the study-based register of randomized/controlled clinical trials, this work applies to developers of databases of all sorts of studies related to the human, animals, cells, genes, and molecules.
Methods: We describe necessity, rationale, and steps for the development, utilization and maintenance of study-based registers as well as the challenges and gains for the organizations supporting systematic reviews of the published and unpublished literature.
Conclusion: The ultimate goal of having a study-based register is to facilitate efficient production of systematic reviews providing rapid, yet accurate, evidence for the decision-makers. We argue that moving towards study-based registers is an inevitable welcome direction and that infrastructures are ready for such movement.

Citation

Shokraneh, F., & Adams, C. E. (2017). Study-based registers of randomized controlled trials: starting a systematic review with data extraction or meta-analysis. Bioimpacts, 7(4), https://doi.org/10.15171/bi.2017.25

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 16, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Sep 17, 2017
• Publication Date: Oct 15, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jan 8, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 8, 2018
• Journal: Bioimpacts
• Electronic ISSN: 2228-5660
• Publisher: Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Issue: 4
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.15171/bi.2017.25
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/887815
• Publisher URL: http://bi.tbzmed.ac.ir/Abstract/bi-17429
• Contract Date: Jan 8, 2018