Abstract
Orthodontics is not only an art but also a science, and the key to practicing it likewise lies with implementing evidence-based orthodontics (EBO). Systematic reviews (SRs) and Meta-analyses (MAs) are considered to be the “gold standard” or highest level of evidence in EBO. The limitations of traditional, narrative reviews have led to the increased popularity of SRs due to their objective and transparent methodology, which makes the evidence generated by them more reliable and unbiased. With SRs and MAs becoming the mainstay of Orthodontic research and EBO, it is imperative to be in the know of the technicalities of these tools of research synthesis. The present paper provides an overview of the SR methodology and describes in detail the key steps in conducting SRs or MAs viz., formulating the review question, defining the criteria for inclusion of studies, identifying all relevant studies by a meticulous search process, including studies which meet pre-defined criteria, assessing quality of included studies and finally analysing and interpreting the collective findings from included individual studies. The paper can thus be used as a guide for the whats, whens, whys and hows of carrying out a systematic review and meta-analysis, and generate the highest quality of evidence available for delivering the best patient care.
Highlights
Evidence‐based practice (EBP) is defined as the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence when making decisions about the care of a patient.[1]
Each study is represented by a block at the point estimate of intervention effect with a horizontal line extending on either side of the block
The area of the block indicates the weight assigned to that study, larger the block, larger is its weight in the meta‐analysis while the horizontal line depicts the confidence interval
Summary
Evidence‐based practice (EBP) is defined as the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence when making decisions about the care of a patient.[1] Clinical expertise, best research evidence and patient preferences or values form the triad of evidence‐based orthodontics (EBO). As more and more studies are added to the scientific literature, the body of evidence keeps expanding and it becomes challenging to keep track of the constant developments and new findings. Quite often the varied and sometimes contradictory findings of research studies confound their clinical application by making the overall evidence unclear and difficult to interpret. A barrier is created between the existing research evidence and its utility in improving patient care
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
