Authors' recommendations: Using the systemic review process when applied to the field of nutrition allows for considerable flexibility with regard to the types of questions evaluated, studies included and information captured, as well as the nature of summary statements. Confidence in the results of systematic reviews occurs at a number of levels. These include the transparent nature of the process and involvement of a broad-based research team free of potential biases and vested interests. Confidence also derives from the involvement of trained systematic review methodologists, and, a priori formulation of key questions, search criteria, study evaluation criteria, and information captured for evidence tables, and a priori procedures for obtaining appropriate outside inputs from subject matter experts, sponsors and users while precluding the potential biases and conflicts of interest. Within these boundaries the conclusions are comprehensive in nature and objective in the assessment of the available information, without gong beyond the limits of the data. Recognition of a number of challenges not necessarily encountered in other disciplinary areas can enhance the quality and usefulness of nutrition related systematic reviews. Lastly, important to always keep in mind is that systematic reviews are a tool to be used by expert panels, funding agencies and other groups, and can not serve as a replacement for expert deliberations and organizational policy development. Users of systemic reviews often need to augment the reviews by other sources of information and where uncertainties exist, by application of expert scientific judgment. Systematic reviews are a valuable and independent component—but not the end—to decision making processes by groups responsible for developing science-based recommendations and policies.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.ahrq.gov/downloads/pub/evidence/pdf/nutrition/nutrtp1.pdf

Year Published: 2009

URL for published report: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/tp/nutritntp.htm

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;

Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)