Part 3: Resources available in RoB 2

Summary

This presentation discusses key resources related to risk of bias in randomized trials, focusing on the Cochran Handbook. Chapter 7 provides a broad overview of bias and its relation to conflicts of interest, while Chapter 8 details the Rob2 tool for assessing individual trials. Additional resources include the full guidance document, a crib sheet, and Microsoft Excel tools for easy implementation. Upcoming online platforms and tools for visualizing risk of bias assessments are also highlighted. The presentation is particularly useful for those involved in the Cochran pilot project and anyone interested in understanding risk of bias assessments in research.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Cochran Handbook includes two chapters on risk of bias: Chapter 7 focuses on general risk of bias, while Chapter 8 is dedicated to the RoB 2 tool for analyzing randomized trials.
• 😀 The RoB 2 tool provides guidance on assessing risk of bias in randomized trials, with detailed instructions available in the full guidance document.
• 😀 The full guidance document is comprehensive and should be thoroughly read for proper use of the RoB 2 tool.
• 😀 A crib sheet version of the guidance document provides quick reminders for users during tool application, designed to be used after reviewing the full document.
• 😀 The Cochran website is a central resource for updates on the RoB 2 tool, including various versions and new tools being developed.
• 😀 Interim guidance is available for users involved in the pilot project, specifically for assessing cluster-randomized and crossover trials.
• 😀 A Microsoft Excel implementation of the RoB 2 tool is available, which is user-friendly and includes all necessary algorithms and result exports.
• 😀 An online platform for implementing the RoB 2 tool is being developed, with a draft expected to be tested later this year.
• 😀 Additional tools, like the Roth tool for visualizing risk of bias assessments, are also available for creating publication-quality illustrations of study assessments.
• 😀 The Cochran interactive learning model is consistent with RoB 2 and will soon offer standard training tools for both trainers and pilot participants.

Q & A

What are the two chapters in the new Cochran handbook related to risk of bias?

Chapter 7 discusses risk of bias generally, including how to reverse bias, its relationship to conflicts of interest, and its impact on analyses. Chapter 8 focuses specifically on the RoB 2 tool, providing an overview for evaluating individual randomized trials.

What is the Cochran intervention reviews guidance, and how is it related to the RoB 2 tool?

The Cochran intervention reviews guidance is summarized in the 'Methodological Expectations for Cochran Intervention Reviews' document, which outlines how to properly use the RoB 2 tool, among other resources developed by Cochran for evidence synthesis.

Where can users find information about the RoB 2 tool and its updates?

The best place to find information about the RoB 2 tool, including updates and related resources, is on the Cochran website, which hosts the full guidance document, crib sheet version, and other relevant tools.

What is the 'crib sheet' version of the RoB 2 guidance, and how is it different from the full guidance?

The 'crib sheet' version is a condensed reminder that highlights key points to consider when using the RoB 2 tool. It is meant to be used after reading the full guidance document and provides quick, accessible reminders for the user.

What interim guidance is available for the pilot project involving cluster randomized and crossover trials?

Interim guidance for cluster randomized and crossover trials is available for pilot project participants. This guidance is designed to help users evaluate these types of trials while the final tools and guidelines are being finalized.

What is the Microsoft Excel implementation of the RoB 2 tool, and why is it considered useful?

The Microsoft Excel implementation of the RoB 2 tool is a user-friendly system that incorporates all the necessary algorithms and allows users to export results. It is currently considered the best way to implement RoB 2, as it can be downloaded and used easily on a local machine.

What future plans are there for an online platform to implement the RoB 2 tool?

There are plans to launch an online platform for implementing the RoB 2 tool, which will work similarly to the Excel tool. A full draft of the platform is in progress, with the goal of launching it after further testing later this year.

What additional tools related to risk of bias assessments have been developed by Cochran?

In addition to the RoB 2 tool, Cochran has developed other tools such as the Roth tool, which helps users illustrate risk of bias assessments with graphical representations like plots and bar charts, particularly for users of Redman.

What is the interactive learning model developed by Cochran, and how is it related to RoB 2?

The interactive learning model developed by Cochran is designed to be consistent with the RoB 2 tool. It helps users understand and apply the tool's principles effectively and will soon be accompanied by standard training materials for trainers within Cochran.

What resources will pilot project participants receive, and how are they expected to use them?

Pilot project participants will receive a starter pack containing resources to help them use the RoB 2 tool. These resources are designed to assist with the initial stages of the pilot, and participants will be guided in using the materials effectively.