'Summary of findings' tables for DTA reviews

This lesson is part of an introductory series developed by Cochrane Screening & Diagnostic Test Methods Group to support authors in the production of DTA reviews. A full list of currently available or planned lessons is available here.

'Summary of findings' tables present the main findings of a review in a transparent and simple tabular format. They contain key information about the question at hand, relevant outcomes, key results from the review, and information about the quality of the evidence. This lesson describes how to create a 'Summary of findings' table for a Cochrane DTA review and what their component are, using examples, and explaining how they relate to GRADE.

After using this resource, you should be able to...
  • Create a 'Summary of findings' table for your own DTA review

8.3 'Summary of findings' tables for DTA reviews

Author information: 
Leeflang, Mariska; Davenport, Clare; Takwoingi, Yemisi; Deeks, Jon
Acknowledgements: 

Cite as: Leeflang MM, Davenport CF, Takwoingi Y, Deeks JJ. Summary of findings table. Lesson 8.3: Cochrane Collaboration DTA Online Learning Materials. The Cochrane Collaboration, September 2014. Videocast (26 slides, 20 min, sound, colour. Available at <http://training.cochrane.org>.

Session compiled and narrated by Mariska Leeflang with technical support from Anne Walker and Paul Good, University of Birmingham. With grateful acknowledgement of the many members of the Cochrane DTA Reviews Working Group upon which the materials, in part, are based. Funded by the UK NIHR and the Cochrane Collaboration, with support from the University of Birminham and the University of Amsterdam.