Episode 30: Methodological and statistical characteristics of meta-analyses on spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain: a systematic review

In this episode of RAPM Focus, Editor-in-Chief Brian Sites, MD, is delighted to be joined by Ryan D’Souza, MD, and Nasir Hussain, MD, following the February 2024 publication of their review, “Methodological and Statistical Characteristics of Meta-Analyses on Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review.” Both of these anesthesiologists are prolific in their research and contributions to the regional anesthesia and pain medicine community.

Best practice advisories and policies tend to stem from the results of systematic reviews and metanalysis, thus the stakes are very high for a journal to ensure that the results are meaningful and valid. The mathematical principles and assumptions of systematic reviews and meta-analyses are quite complex, which often exceeds the capacity of many journals to truly adjudicate. To further complicate matters, there are emerging techniques that include network meta-analyses that take even more expertise to review. Therefore, better understanding content areas where there are strengths and weaknesses around systematic reviews is critical to best informing clinical practice.

Dr. D’Souza is a pain medicine physician and anesthesiologist at the Mayo Clinic. He is an associate professor, director of neuromodulation, and director of the in-patient pain service. He is an associate editor and social media editor for RAPM.

Dr. Hussain is a pain medicine physician and anesthesiologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He is an assistant professor, associate program director for anesthesiology residency, and assistant program director of the chronic pain fellowship.

*The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice, and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care, or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

Podcast and music produced by Dan Langa. Find us on X @RAPMOnline, Facebook @Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, and Instagram @RAPM_Online.