This is an archived version of the Handbook. For the current version, please go to training.cochrane.org/handbook/current.

Box 5.2.a: Factors to consider when developing criteria for ‘Types of participants’

  • How is the disease/condition defined?

  • What are the most important characteristics that describe these people (participants)?

  • Are there any relevant demographic factors (e.g. age, sex, ethnicity)?

  • What is the setting (e.g. hospital, community etc)?

  • Who should make the diagnosis?

  • Are there other types of people who should be excluded from the review (because they are likely to react to the intervention in a different way)?

  • How will studies involving only a subset of relevant participants be handled?