How do you develop your review questions?

• To what extent is the user involved in developing the research question?

How do you determine the inclusion criteria for studies in your evidence synthesis?

• Do you incorporate observational and other nonran­domized data? If yes, what are the parameters for their use?

• Do you incorporate unpublished and grey literature? Please explain.

• How do you protect against publication and report­ing (outcome) bias? What have been the challenges (if any)?

Do you use any specific instruments or methods to ensure the quality of your SRs?

What are the greatest challenges in producing SRs that meaningfully support users’ decisions?

How do your “customers” use your reviews?

How are your reviews funded? Do you accept industry funding? How do you identify and address potential con­flicts of interest (COIs)?

This Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee is charged with recommending standards for SRs of comparative effective­ness research (CER). Are there steps in your SR process that could be standardized?

What would be the implications if the IOM were to rec­ommend a standard grading scheme for characterizing the strength of evidence?

Does your organization produce its own SRs?

• If yes, have you developed or adopted standards or guidance for the process? Please describe.

• If no, who produces your SRs? To what extent does your organization participate in the review?

What are the greatest challenges in using SRs to develop clinical practice guidelines (CPGs)?

How are your SRs funded? Do you accept industry funding? How do you identify and address potential COIs?