Comment on the Wax Et Al., (2010) Metaanalysis of Home vs. Hospital Birth (Research Critique) (Report‪)‬

Systematic reviews aim to 'identify, evaluate and summarise the findings of all relevant individual studies' (Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, 2008, p. v). A systematic review is often considered level one evidence as it reviews all known randomised controlled trials on the subject and synthesises the findings. When done well a systematic review can provide a reliable estimate of the effectiveness of any particular type of intervention because combining results of several similar studies can provide more evidence than one study alone. As with any research project a systematic review needs to be undertaken in a particular way so that the review question, the search strategy, the population, interventions, comparators, outcomes and study designs are clear and the review could be easily replicated. Any knowledge claims need to be clearly based on evidence found in the review, as such there is a need to minimise bias, and ensure objectivity when undertaking reviews.