Table 2 Key features of CADIMA, different user roles and associated tasks and supported information formats used during the synthesis process
Step | Key features of CADIMA | Roles and tasks | Information format |
|---|---|---|---|
Set up the review | Predefined input structure | RC Invite registered users to become part of the review team Define the title of the review Define the question type (PICO, PIT, PO) Define if a systematic review or a systematic map will be performed | Manual entry |
Protocol | Predefined input structure referring to the key chapters of a protocol Compile a drafted protocol document with potential annexes | RC Mark those document blocks that should be compiled by CADIMA Make final protocol publically available All Enter/upload the requested information | Manual entry Upload/download formats: - Docx - Xlsx |
Literature search | Documentation of the literature search Indication of reports with missing abstract Identification of duplicates | All Allocate a search string to a search engine or a further information source it was applied Upload of search results and duplicate removal | Manual entry Upload/download formats: - RIS |
Study selection | Support for the: Definition of selection criteria Performance of a kappa-test - Takes a random sample of the identified reports to be rated by RC and/or further review team members - Kappa value will be provided Online application of selection criteria - Title/abstract/full text will be co-displayed - Identification of discrepancies in the rating by RC and/or RM Selection of studies that should be included in the review | RC Set the criteria list as “final” Define those team members that should be involved in the kappa test Decide about the suitability of the criteria based on the provided kappa value Nominate team members to be involved during study selection - Decide about the application mode - Allocate identified reports All Enter selection criteria If nominated, apply criteria Extract relevant studies | Manual entry |
Data extraction | On- and offline data extraction | All Define critical appraisal criteria Define data extraction columns Mark those columns relevant for the critical appraisal Perform data extraction | Manual entry Online data extraction - Manual entry Offline data extraction - Download/upload of the data extraction sheet as excel file |
Critical appraisal | Co-display of extracted (meta-) data during the rating process Online application of appraisal criteria Identification of inconsistencies in reviewer judgments | RC Nominate team members to be involved during critical appraisal Allocate relevant studies All If nominated, critically appraise included studies | Manual entry |
Data synthesis | Compilation of the data extraction sheet and the results from the critical appraisal | All Perform the statistical analysis by using the software package of their choice Upload of synthesis results | Download format - Xlsx Upload formats: - Xlsx - Docx |
Presenting data and results | Thorough documentation (including any decision made during) of - Literature search - Study selection - Critical appraisal Compilation of data extraction sheet Opt for publication on the web site | All Write up the review Decide about and upload information to be made publically available | Download formats: - Xlsx - Docx - RIS Upload formats: - Xlsx - Docx |