ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Systematic reviews are one of the major building blocks of evidence-based medicine. This overview is an introduction to conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) represent the most robust form of design in the hierarchy of research evidence. In addition, primary data do not have to be collected by the researcher him/herself, and there is no need for approval from an ethics committee. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are not as daunting as they may appear to be, provided the scope is sufficiently narrow and an appropriate supervisor available.
Subject(s)
Meta-Analysis as Topic , Research Design/standards , Review Literature as Topic , Humans , Mentors , PsychiatryABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Persons subject to forensic mental health orders imposed by the courts form a small but politically salient group. Their management provides a number of challenges for mental health services and for governments throughout Australia. Although their overall management has been enhanced by recent developments in forensic services, there is a lack of consistent cross-border agreements between states and territories. This paper will discuss how this situation is not conducive to effective risk management and is a denial of patients' legitimate demands for freedom of movement. A proposal for the adoption of appropriate principles to improve the current state of affairs is outlined. CONCLUSION: Legislative reform is required to ensure the safe and ethical management of mentally disordered offenders subject to forensic mental health orders in Australia.
