Extraction and evidence network definition
Define treatments and comparison geometry
Distinguish treatment nodes in the statistical network from the boxes in this authoring canvas. Specify intervention groupings and effect modifiers; separate disconnected components instead of forcing comparisons between them.
Flow diagram
Steps
Define intervention nodes
Prespecify when doses, delivery modes or combinations form distinct treatment nodes.
Extract comparisons and modifiers
Capture arms, outcomes, time points and effect modifiers for each study.
Map network geometry
Document direct comparisons, disconnected components and sparsely supported links.
Resolve dependence and comparability
Retain multi-arm covariance and assess compatibility before forming synthesis sets.
Freeze eligible network definitions
Record exclusions, alternative node groupings and versioned network membership.
Extraction and evidence network definition
End flow
Tables and supporting information
Network definition register
Enter study-specific treatment nodes and evidence links.
Assumptions and rationale
Transitivity requires plausible comparability of effect modifiers across comparisons; connectivity alone is insufficient.
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.