Evidence map›Paper›PMID 30442191›Full record

SynthesisSystematic reviews2018

Can automated content analysis be used to assess and improve the use of evidence in mental health policy? A systematic review.

Kristel Alla, Florin Oprescu, Wayne D Hall, Harvey A Whiteford, Brian W Head, Carla S Meurk

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Systematic reviews, 2018. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Article
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Kristel AllaSchool of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia. kristel.alla@uq.net.au.ORCID 0000-0002-0704-9080
Florin OprescuSchool of Health and Sport Sciences, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia.
Wayne D HallCentre for Youth Substance Abuse Research, CYSAR K Floor, Mental Health Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Campus, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia.
Harvey A WhitefordSchool of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia.
Brian W HeadSchool of Political Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
Carla S MeurkSchool of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia.

Funding

National Health and Medical Research Council (AU) Centre for Research Excellence in Mental Health Systems Improvement APP1041131
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThis review assesses the utility of applying an automated content analysis method to the field of mental health policy development. We considered the possibility of using the Wordscores algorithm to assess research and policy texts in ways that facilitate the uptake of research into mental health policy.

methodsThe PRISMA framework and the McMaster appraisal tools were used to systematically review and report on the strengths and limitations of the Wordscores algorithm. Nine electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2003 and 2016. Inclusion criteria were (1) articles had to be published in public health, political science, social science or health services disciplines; (2) articles had to be research articles or opinion pieces that used Wordscores; and (3) articles had to discuss both strengths and limitations of using Wordscores for content analysis.

resultsThe literature search returned 118 results. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. These articles explored a range of policy questions and appraised different aspects of the Wordscores method. DISCUSSION: Following synthesis of the material, we identified the following as potential strengths of Wordscores: (1) the Wordscores algorithm can be used at all stages of policy development; (2) it is valid and reliable; (3) it can be used to determine the alignment of health policy drafts with research evidence; (4) it enables existing policies to be revised in the light of research; and (5) it can determine whether changes in policy over time were supported by the evidence. Potential limitations identified were (1) decreased accuracy with short documents, (2) words constitute the unit of analysis and (3) expertise is needed to choose 'reference texts'.

conclusionsAutomated content analysis may be useful in assessing and improving the use of evidence in mental health policies. Wordscores is an automated content analysis option for comparing policy and research texts that could be used by both researchers and policymakers.

Indexed as

AlgorithmsHealth PolicyMental HealthPolicy MakingEvidence-Based MedicineHumansAutomated content analysisEvidence-informed policyMental healthResearch impactWordscores

Identifiers

PMID30442191
PMCPMC6238396

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.