OBJECTIVES:

To develop a web-based tool that allows users to conduct and report evidence synthesis and provide an innovative analysis framework that takes advantage of its graphical user interface to allow for superior data interaction and high-quality visualizations compared to a technical report.

METHODS:

A review of existing dashboards was conducted through a targeted search, to understand existing functionalities and guidelines. A web application was developed in R using the R-Shiny package and allowed the user to update analysis, test bespoke sensitivity analysis, visualize outputs and export findings to a report to facilitate a comparison to existing reporting guidelines.

RESULTS:

The targeted search identified one web-based tool developed by the NIHR Complex Review Support Unit (MetaInsight) that simplified the running of network meta-analysis, this tool was reviewed, however, it was found that the application did not allow for reporting of the analysis and therefore a digital tool that can be used to assist researchers, health policy decision makers, and other stakeholders to transparently synthesize evidence was developed.

The web-based tool was found to provide a clear and concise summary of results that support clear communication of the analysis compared to standalone technical reports. By not requiring prior coding knowledge to run the analysis, the analysis can be tailored to different audiences.

CONCLUSIONS:

With the constant evolution of evidence, we believe that studies that synthesize evidence should not be restrained to static publications but rather evolve into living analyses that are frequently updated with new evidence, and allow users to investigate alternative scenarios and result sensitivity in a user-friendly and transparent environment. The adoption of this approach will allow decision makers to make better informed and meaningful decisions in a short timeframe.