articleCanadian Medical Association JournalAug 9, 2020GOLD OA

Development of the Instrument to assess the Credibility of Effect Modification Analyses (ICEMAN) in randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses

University of Freiburg · Johns Hopkins University · +9 more institutions

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Abstract

Background

Most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of RCTs examine effect modification (also called a subgroup effect or interaction), in which the effect of an intervention varies by another variable (e.g., age or disease severity). Assessing the credibility of an apparent effect modification presents challenges; therefore, we developed the Instrument for assessing the Credibility of Effect Modification Analyses (ICEMAN).

Methods

To develop ICEMAN, we established a detailed concept; identified candidate credibility considerations in a systematic survey of the literature; together with experts, performed a consensus study to identify key considerations and develop them into instrument items; and refined the instrument based on feedback from trial investigators, systematic review authors and journal editors, who applied drafts of ICEMAN to published claims of effect modification.

Citation impact

702
total citations
FWCI
49.09
Percentile
100%
References
53
Citations per year

Authors

16

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Credibility
  • Randomized controlled trial
  • Systematic review
  • Meta-analysis
  • Set (abstract data type)
  • Computer science
  • Evidence-based medicine
  • MEDLINE
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Funding