advice on doing chart reviews

[Misopogon]

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I am about to start doing a chart review that focuses on doing a meta analysis of two different surgical approaches. This is new to me; I have only done bench research in the past. Do any of you guys have any tips/advice that you would be willing to share about searching the literature and compiling the data? Thanks.

 

[evilbooyaa]

Unless you're starting this chart review from scratch, I'm sure there is an attending/resident you can ask about what questions are important to address with this review.

If you DID start this from scratch, why? Is it to see if there is a difference in rate of complications/morbidity/mortality? Length? Cost (huge thing that journals are looking for now are cost-analyses)?

Figure out what your hypothesis (or hypotheses) is, then go from there.

Er wait a second, just read your post again. Doing a meta analysis of various articles already published is NOT a chart review. A meta analysis is a pretty hard thing to put together, IMO. If you can get on a regular chart review instead it'll be a much easier use of your time.

 

[Misopogon]

Unless you're starting this chart review from scratch, I'm sure there is an attending/resident you can ask about what questions are important to address with this review.

If you DID start this from scratch, why? Is it to see if there is a difference in rate of complications/morbidity/mortality? Length? Cost (huge thing that journals are looking for now are cost-analyses)?

Figure out what your hypothesis (or hypotheses) is, then go from there.

Er wait a second, just read your post again. Doing a meta analysis of various articles already published is NOT a chart review. A meta analysis is a pretty hard thing to put together, IMO. If you can get on a regular chart review instead it'll be a much easier use of your time.

Obviously, I am new to this. What exactly is a chart review then? The other projects were taken so I was given the meta-analysis.

 

[redblue]

I think you're looking for tips for conducting meta-analysis, not a chart review. A chart review basically involves looking through a set of patient records and looking for factors corresponding to your hypothesis. A meta-analysis compiles multiple studies' data to more powerfully demonstrate a hypothesis. Your PI should have more guidance on how to complete a meta-analysis.

 

[evilbooyaa]

Obviously, I am new to this. What exactly is a chart review then? The other projects were taken so I was given the meta-analysis.

If you were given the meta-analysis then don't worry about what a chart review is. redblue has given a basic idea above.

I agree that you should ask your PI for help. Generally, they involve reading multiple published studies (that may use slightly different variables) and trying to reach a conclusion by combining their sample sizes. In your case, you would be looking at studies documenting the use of each surgical technique, then compiling the raw numbers from each study to increase the sample size. I've never done this and thus do not know the proper method for combining groups across multiple studies (especially important if they're not 100% identical in composition across studies).

 

[SouthernSurgeon]

Honestly, based on the level of knowledge you're displaying here, I don't think you're going to be successful doing a meta-analysis on your own without some serious hands-on guidance from your PI.

Not saying they are THAT complex but you need to understand the methodology involved.

Step 1: Read up on meta-analyses in a basics stats book so you at least understand the concept of them and the basics of how to perform the analysis.
Step 2: Go to your PI, (nicely) admit your current level of cluelessness, and ask for guidance. If they can't give it to you this isn't going to be a fruitful project.