5. Preparing and Writing the Review

Having formulated a search strategy, retrieved papers, evaluated the evidence and tabulated key results, the final stage is to bring this together into the WHO report.

Though this process has much in common with Cochrane Reviews, there is a very clearly defined scope in terms of topic and target settings. The WHO reports should have an executive summary to preface the more extensive review. This should be no more than a few pages long.

The basic template should be as follows:

TITLE

INTRODUCTION

This should be direct and pertinent. The people using the reviews will understand the background to the topic, though a brief explanation of any controversy is welcome. It should conclude with: ‘This review intends to answer the question: e.g. Should zinc be used in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis?’

METHODS

There needs to be a clearly documented search strategy that specifies details of the databases (including web sites) to be searched, and the search strategy to be applied to each database.This will be very similar between reviews.  Mention the  databases  searched, how articles were selected and graded. Also state the number of papers identified.

RESULTS

It is helpful to consider the results in terms of outcomes and include the relevant data. P values, confidence intervals and other statistical tests are vital. Systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials should really be the ideal source of your data where possible. Discuss any methodological points, and dosage information if relevant. The  GRADE tables should be refernced in this section with the table presented in appendices at the end.

Ideally, only good data should be included. Aim to transmit the information in as clear a form as possible.

DISCUSSION

This should briefly put into context the findings. The main conclusions should be stated. Disclaimers on the quality of the relevant literature may be mentioned, and options for future work discussed.

SUMMARY

A concise statement of the evidence.

REFERENCES

The final report should be sent to one of Yoko Askawa  yoko.asakawa@rch.org.au, Lilian Downie lilian.downie@rch.org.au or Dr Julian Kelly: julian.kelly@rch.org.au . From here they will be sent to secondary reviewers, and returned to you in order to make any requested changes.

Eventually, these reviews will be published on the WHO website. These reports will be updated every few years to reflect the changing evidence base.

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