Results of individual studies

20

For all outcomes considered (benefits or harms), present, for each study: (a) simple summary data for each intervention group (b) effect estimates and confidence intervals, ideally with a forest plot.

Table 3

Figure 3 & 4 3-4

Synthesis of results

21

Present results of each meta-analysis done, including confidence intervals and measures of consistency.

Table 2

Figure 2 4

Risk of bias across studies

22

Present results of any assessment of risk of bias across studies (see Item 15).

4

Additional analysis

23

Give results of additional analyses, if done (e.g., sensitivity or subgroup analyses, meta-regression [see Item 16]).

3 - 4

DISCUSSION

Summary of evidence

24

Summarize the main findings including the strength of evidence for each main outcome; consider their relevance to key groups (e.g., healthcare providers, users, and policy makers).

4 - 5

Limitations

25

Discuss limitations at study and outcome level (e.g., risk of bias), and at review-level (e.g., incomplete retrieval of identified research, reporting bias).

4

Conclusions

26

Provide a general interpretation of the results in the context of other evidence, and implications for future research.

4 - 5

FUNDING

Funding

27

Describe sources of funding for the systematic review and other support (e.g., supply of data); role of funders for the systematic review.

5