In this episode of RAPM Focus, Editor-in-Chief Brian Sites, MD, sits down with Michael Barrington, MD, to discuss best practice advisories and policies with systematic reviews.

Best practice advisories and policies tend to stem from the results of systematic reviews and metanalysis, thus the stakes are very high for a journal to ensure that the results are meaningful and valid. As part of a RAPM initiative to establish education and standards for researchers interested in submitting a systematic review or meta-analysis we participate in a joint publication with the journal, Anesthesia and Analgesia.

Dr. Barrington is well known in the regional anesthesia community as he is currently the section editor for Regional Anesthesia for the journal, Anesthesia and Analgesia. He has had a recent appointment as professor of anesthesiology at OHSU and is transitioning to the University of Washington.

Some topics covered by Dr. Sites and Dr. Barrington in this podcast are:

• How having a broad team with a broad scope of expertise as part of the authorship team reflects some of the important components of a systematic review.
• How many review authors are unable to articulate a clear rationale for performing the reviews which often is associated with a lack of a very a clear research question.
• The basic resources and expertise needed to perform a systematic review at a high level.
• What protocol is in a systematic review and why it is an important first step.
• PICO (Participant/ Population, Intervention, Compareta, Outcomes).

*The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice, and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care, or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Podcast and music produced by Dan Langa. Find us on X @RAPMOnline, Facebook @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, and Instagram @RAPM_Online.