Table 3 Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire component score results
From: A systematic evaluation of the quality of meta-analyses in the critical care literature
OQAQ question | No (n (%)) | Partial or can't tell (n(%)) | Yes (n(%)) |
|---|---|---|---|
Were the search methods used to find evidence on the primary question(s) stated | 5 (3.6) | 3 (2.2) | 131 (94.2) |
Was the search for evidence reasonably comprehensive? | 23 (16.6) | 67 (48.2) | 49 (35.3) |
Were the criteria used for deciding which studies to include in the overview reported? | 14 (10.1) | 7 (5.0) | 118 (84.9) |
Was bias in the selection of studies avoided? | 27 (19.4) | 63 (45.3) | 49 (35.3) |
Were the criteria used for assessing the validity of the included studies reported? | 38 (27.3) | 8 (5.8) | 93 (66.9) |
Was the validity of all the studies referred to in the text assessed using appropriate criteria? | 45 (32.4) | 29 (20.9) | 65 (46.8) |
Were the methods used to combine the findings of the relevant (to reach a conclusion) reported? | 12 (8.6) | 17 (12.2) | 110 (79.1) |
Were the findings of the relevant studies combined appropriately relative to the primary question of the overview? | 14 (10.1) | 37 (26.6) | 88 (63.3) |
Were the conclusions made by the author(s) supported by the data and/or analysis reported in the overview? | 6 (4.3) | 29 (20.9) | 104 (74.8) |