OBJECTIVE: To determine whether reviews published in the past 10 years are as helpful as they could be to their readers, and to explain why future reviews should meet certain methodological criteria. METHODS: The quality of 16 reviews published in two journals dealing with accident and emergency medicine over 10 years was objectively assessed using 11 currently recommended criteria. RESULTS: The median number of methodological criteria satisfied was two. Only five of the reviews posed a specific question or problem and then answered this with conclusions based on evidence presented. CONCLUSIONS: If reviews are to enhance patient care, the way in which they are performed, written and used must change.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether reviews published in the past 10 years are as helpful as they could be to their readers, and to explain why future reviews should meet certain methodological criteria. METHODS: The quality of 16 reviews published in two journals dealing with accident and emergency medicine over 10 years was objectively assessed using 11 currently recommended criteria. RESULTS: The median number of methodological criteria satisfied was two. Only five of the reviews posed a specific question or problem and then answered this with conclusions based on evidence presented. CONCLUSIONS: If reviews are to enhance patient care, the way in which they are performed, written and used must change.