A project group, often including more than ten members, is formed for each major SBU project. Initially, the members are trained in systematic literature searching and critical analysis of the literature identified. After that, the work generally includes the following phases:
First, the purpose of the assessment is defined. As the project begins, the group decides on the issues to be included and excluded.
Inclusion criteria are established for the quality and relevance of the studies. Only the results from research that is sufficiently rigorous will be used. SBU's list of common pitfalls provides examples of unacceptable results. In some cases, project groups may decide to include studies of lower quality or relevance if the material presents unique information.
All available research findings addressing the important issues are systematically searched in computerized databases and by manually scanning reference lists in professional journals and scientific reports. Searches may identify several thousand articles if the assessment concerns a broad area, for instance, common methods to treat obesity or substance abuse.
Since the quality of research may range from high to low, project groups must separate the 'wheat from the chaff'. Each research report is carefully reviewed and evaluated. The project groups evaluate every study for quality and relevance. At times, the groups use standardized checklists in this process. Research reports that do not meet the predetermined criteria for quality and relevance are eliminated in this step of the review process.
Results from the selected studies are summarized in tables, scrutinized, and used to form the body of evidence. As with searching and selecting the literature, weighing the evidence must also be systematic and rigorous. All conclusions drawn must have scientific support. It is important to address not only the medical effects of different methods, but also the prevalence of the problem, current practices in Sweden, and the economic, social, and ethical aspects.
Before SBU publishes its findings, the manuscript is evaluated by external experts and by experts from the SBU Scientific Advisory Committee. Manuscripts are always carefully edited, and the language is revised prior to publication. The SBU Board of Directors and the Scientific Advisory Committee approve the conclusions drawn from the evidence and consider the findings in a broader context. As a rule, the strength of the scientific evidence is noted for each conclusion by using the SBU evidence grading scale.
Proposals for methods to be assessed by SBU Alert may come from individuals, organizations, or government agencies in Sweden or other countries. Initially, Alert prepares background information on the method. Later, the Alert Advisory Board decides on the topics to receive highest priority.
The Alert Advisory Board appoints one or more experts, often in collaboration with the relevant scientific committees of professional associations. The project group also includes expert reviewers and SBU staff, as well as members of the SBU Alert Advisory Board and the SBU Board of Directors.
The work required to develop a new Alert Report on a particular method often takes 6 to 12 months. The reports briefly describe the new method and its expected effects. Furthermore, the reports present an assessment of the current state of scientific evidence.
Alert Reports range from five to ten pages in length and follow a standardized format. Since the reports are published on the Internet, they can be updated. Read more...
Tyvärr är webbutiken ej tillgänglig just nu. Vi arbetar på att få upp den så snart som möjligt.
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