Introduction

As a service to its readership, BJSM publishes educational editorials in order to provide methodological guidance and direction to clinicians and researchers.1 For example, a recent BJSM invited commentary outlined important methodological aspects of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in order to help readers better understand and interpret findings.2 Similarly, a recent BJSM editorial written for clinicians has outlined five essential methodological considerations or ‘hacks’ to consider when reading a systematic review (SR), while another editorial has outlined common pitfalls for authors conducting a SR.3 4 In light of recent suggestions of untrustworthiness of systematic review and meta-analyses (SRMA) findings,5–7 researchers are encouraged to maximise the transparency of their work. Similarly, clinicians and policymakers are encouraged to scrutinise SRMA in order to decide if the findings should influence clinical decisions or policies. The purpose of our two-part educational editorial series is to highlight important methodological aspects of SRMA of the effects of interventions and thus help clinicians make judicious choices when considering whether to accept the findings. By using a worked example, we hope this resource serves as a guide for clinicians when critically appraising SRMA findings and deciding whether (or not) to accept the reported findings or the interpretation of the authors.