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7.3.6.5.3 The tabular synthesis of data

Owned by Carolyn Phillips
Mar 26, 2024
1 min read

 

Tabulating the data begins with grouping the studies in discrete categories (e.g. based on types of participants, exposures, outcomes, country of origin, duration of the exposure, number of participants in each group, context, results and comments). When the analysis of the tables reveals the presence of dominant groups or clusters of characteristics groups of studies can be formed by which the subsequent synthesis can be organized; this technique is particularly useful when there are larger number of papers. Based on the type of data reported, a common results rubric can be tabulated as well (e.g. absolute difference, relative risk, odds ratio, favours exposure vs. favours no exposure column); this approach can serve as a first step in comparing the effects observed across the included studies.

Bellow you will find some suggested steps for tabulating information from studies included in a systematic review (Khan, Kunz et al. 2003).

Suggested steps:

  • Place features related to populations, exposures and outcomes in columns.

  • Consider what subgroups of populations there are among included studies.

  • Consider what subtypes of exposures there are.

  • Consider the outcomes and their importance.

  • Consider if studies need to be sub-classified according to study designs and quality.

  • Populate the cells in the table with information from studies along rows in subgroups.

  • Sort studies according to a feature that helps to understand their results (e.g. a characteristic of a population or exposure, rank order of quality, year of publication, etc.).