Academic Journal
Challenges in Treatment Node Classification for Network Meta-Analysis of Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Insights From a Researcher Survey.
| Τίτλος: | Challenges in Treatment Node Classification for Network Meta-Analysis of Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Insights From a Researcher Survey. |
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| Συγγραφείς: | Boonpattharatthiti K; The Research Unit of Evidence Synthesis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.; Advancing Collaboration, Translation, and Innovation for Value in Evidence Synthesis Hub of Talent, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand., Caldwell DM; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK., Chaiyakunapruk N; Advancing Collaboration, Translation, and Innovation for Value in Evidence Synthesis Hub of Talent, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.; Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Utah, USA.; IDEAS Center, Veterans Affairs Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Utah, USA.; Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand., Dhippayom T; The Research Unit of Evidence Synthesis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.; Advancing Collaboration, Translation, and Innovation for Value in Evidence Synthesis Hub of Talent, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand.; Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Utah, USA. |
| Πηγή: | Journal of evidence-based medicine [J Evid Based Med] 2026 Sep; Vol. 19 (3), pp. e70171. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jul 30. |
| Τύπος έκδοσης: | Journal Article |
| Γλώσσα: | English |
| Στοιχεία περιοδικού: | Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101497477 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1756-5391 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17565391 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Evid Based Med Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: Oxford : Wiley-Blackwell |
| Ιατρικοί όροι (MeSH): | Network Meta-Analysis as Topic*, Humans ; Surveys and Questionnaires |
| Περίληψη: | Objective: Non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) are diverse and complex, making treatment node classification in network meta-analyses (NMAs) particularly challenging. Accurate node classification is essential, as it directly affects the validity and applicability of NMA findings. The aim of this study was to explore current practices in treatment node classification in NMAs of NPIs and identify key challenges. Methods: An online survey was conducted among the first and corresponding authors of NMAs of NPIs published in first-quartile journals over the past five years. Eligible authors were identified through a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL on February 4, 2025. A self-administered questionnaire assessed experiences, perceptions, and recommendations regarding node classification. Quantitative data were summarized descriptively, and qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. Results: Of 471 eligible authors contacted, 32 responded (response rate: 6.8%). Most (43.8%) had 5-10 years of experience in evidence synthesis, and 81.3% had published 1-5 NMAs of NPIs. Nearly all reported difficulties in node classification due to within-intervention and comparator variation, incorporating delivery features, balancing lumping versus splitting, and meeting the transitivity assumption. Respondents classified nodes by following prespecified protocols, relying on the characteristics of included studies, or using mixed approaches. While views on standard guidance were mixed, several respondents supported the development of simplified guidance for major research areas to support consistent node classification. Conclusions: Researchers encounter considerable difficulties in classifying treatment nodes in NMAs of NPIs. Findings highlight the need for prespecified and structured frameworks for certain types of NPIs to improve reproducibility, and reliability in future NMAs. (© 2026 The Author(s). Journal of Evidence‐Based Medicine published by Chinese Cochrane Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.) |
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| Grant Information: | N41A670345 National Research Council of Thailand |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: network meta‐analysis; node making; non‐pharmacological interventions; survey; treatment node |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260731 Date Completed: 20260925 Latest Revision: 20260930 |
| Update Code: | 20260930 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC13613242 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/jebm.70171 |
| PMID: | 42533369 |
| Βάση Δεδομένων: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1756-5391 |
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| DOI: | 10.1111/jebm.70171 |