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Dictionary of Evidence-based Medicine.pdf

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152 <strong>Dictionary</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Evidence</strong>-<strong>based</strong> <strong>Medicine</strong><br />

the interval between the mean and the 75th percentile. The Gaussian or<br />

normal distribution is an example <strong>of</strong> a symmetric distribution.<br />

Systematic overview (see under Systematic review)<br />

Systematic review<br />

A systematic review or overview is a review <strong>of</strong> a particular subject undertaken<br />

in such a systematic way that the risk <strong>of</strong> bias is reduced. The review<br />

objectives are defined precisely and formal and explicit methods are used<br />

to retrieve the available evidence as comprehensively as possible. Inclusion<br />

and exclusion criteria for studies are defined. In the evaluation <strong>of</strong><br />

medical interventions, outcomes to be used for efficacy or safety are identified<br />

and the relevant data extracted using explicit methods. Appropriate<br />

statistical methods are used for pooling any suitable quantitative data<br />

(meta-analysis) to provide an estimate <strong>of</strong> efficacy or safety and the clinical<br />

significance <strong>of</strong> the results discussed (Li Wan Po A (1997) A practical guide<br />

to undertaking a systematic review. Pharmaceutical Journal. 258: 518-20).

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