This module deals with some important general concepts relevant in all reviews as well as some issues that not all reviewers encounter.

Learning objectives

• Know when and how sensitivity analysis can investigate the robustness of your findings
• Identify types of data not easily analyzed using RevMan
• Consider perspectives on dealing with intention-to-treat analyses
• Understand problems associated with indirect comparisons

Relevant sections of the Reviewers' Handbook

• Section 8

Where does this go in a Cochrane review?

• The protocol should outline where a sensitivity analysis might be appropriate. However, sensitivity analyses are the one form of statistical analysis that can (and should) be done whether or not they were specified in the protocol. They should be reported in the Results and/or Discussion section, perhaps depending on their implications
• Items in this Module should all be described in the Methods section