Abortion research that matters: Using core outcomes to enable systematic review

картинко врёт, как обычно (кликабельно)

In this issue of Contraception, Reynolds-Wright et al. published their findings from a Cochrane systematic review examining the effectiveness of different pain management strategies for people undergoing medication abortion up to 14 weeks gestation[1]. The topic is highly relevant to patients, providers, and policymakers and had been identified by a diverse group of global community stakeholders to be prioritized for a Cochrane Systematic Review [2]. Annually 73 million people globally have an abortion with either use of medications or a procedure [3]. The World Health Organization recognizes comprehensive abortion care as an essential health service, and pain management is a component of quality abortion care [4]. However, current evidence is unclear as to what pain management strategy works best. Systematic reviews play a critical role in important clinical or policy topics such as this when alone each individual study is underpowered, a definitive trial is not feasible, or evidence may be conflicting. Additionally, systematic reviews can methodically identify gaps in the existing evidence base to improve future research.