title: 2015 Updated Method Guideline for Systematic Reviews in the Cochrane Back and Neck Group.
abstract: METHODS
  Method guideline for systematic reviews of trials of interventions for neck and back pain, and related spinal disorders.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To help authors design, conduct, and report systematic reviews of trials in this field.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In 1997, the Cochrane Back Review Group editorial board published the Method Guideline for Systematic Reviews, which was updated in 2003 and in 2009. Since then, new methodological evidence has emerged and standards have changed, therefore it was clear that revisions were needed to the 2009 guideline. In May 2015 the group changed its name to Cochrane Back and Neck.
  
  
  METHODS
  The editorial board met in September 2014 to review the relevant new methodological evidence and determine how it should be incorporated. Members of the advisory board were consulted. Based on the feedback received, an updated method guideline was prepared and approved by the editorial board.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We have updated recommendations in 7 categories: objectives, literature search, selection criteria, risk of bias assessment, data extraction, data analysis, and reporting of results and conclusions. Each category is classified into minimum criteria (mandatory) and further guidance (optional). This update also includes some new guidance for preparation of summary of finding tables and for conducting nonintervention reviews.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Citations of previous versions of the method guideline in published scientific articles (1193 in total) suggest that others may find this guideline useful to plan, conduct, or evaluate systematic reviews in the field of back and neck pain, and spinal disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  N/A.
authors.affiliation: *Cochrane Back and Neck Group, Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada †Centre for Health and Social Economics, Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland and Oulu University, Oulu, Finland ‡Departments of Medicine and Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine, Portland, OR §The George Institute for Global Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia ¶Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR ||Integrative Health, and Wellbeing Research Program, Center for Spirituality and Healing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN **Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Andrea D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Furlan
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malmivaara
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chou
authors.forename: Chris G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.forename: Rick A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Deyo
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schoene
authors.forename: Gert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bronfort
authors.forename: Maurits W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: van Tulder
mesh_terms: D001416:Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic