Network coherence, bias and certainty
Assess assumptions and evidence confidence
Use transitivity for the comparability assumption and coherence/incoherence for direct–indirect agreement. Specify the confidence framework and assessment level. A nonsignificant test is not evidence that assumptions are satisfied.
Flow diagram
Steps
Appraise contributing studies
Use result-specific bias judgments with independent assessment and provenance.
Assess transitivity
Compare relevant effect modifiers and eligibility across treatment comparisons.
Assess coherence and heterogeneity
Specify global and local checks and account for sparse comparisons.
Plan sensitivity networks
Examine influential evidence, node definitions, assumptions and missing evidence.
Assess confidence by comparison
Integrate direct and indirect evidence limitations and avoid automatic certainty labels.
Network coherence, bias and certainty
End flow
Tables and supporting information
Network assumption assessment
Document concerns even when statistical tests are inconclusive.
Assumptions and rationale
A nonsignificant incoherence test does not establish transitivity or prove consistency; sparse networks may be uninformative.
Method and protocol evidence
Attach the protocol, methodological sources and versioned software specification supporting these decisions. Record citations and provenance; do not enter participant identifiers.