This workshop is given on behalf of the Adverse Effects Methods Group.

Workshop type: Discussion.

Objective: To give guidance for review authors on the ways adverse-effects information is of value to consumers and, in particular: (i) how consumers can help authors identify the types of adverse events that are important; (ii) the ways that adverse data should be underscored in reviews so that it is useful to consumers; and (iii) what gaps still need to be filled.

Summary:
A systematic review that considers only the favourable outcomes of an intervention, without also assessing the adverse effects, can mislead by introducing a bias favouring the intervention.  However, the assessment of harm can be a complex and time-consuming process, given that an intervention may have a wide-range of potential adverse effects. Review authors may therefore need to focus on selected adverse outcomes that are i mportant in guiding the decisions of consumers and their healthcare providers.

This workshop will outline how input from consumers can help review authors focus their adverse effects analysis, and identify any important gaps that need to be addressed in the systematic review.

At the end of the workshop, review authors should be able to approach the adverse-effects analysis in a more clinically useful manner that is of value to consumers.

Intended audience: Anyone.

Technical level expected of participants: Basic/Intermediate.