How would you handle a situation where a patron requests assistance with conducting a meta-analysis?

Sample interview questions: How would you handle a situation where a patron requests assistance with conducting a meta-analysis?

Sample answer:

When a patron requests assistance with conducting a meta-analysis, as a Medical Librarian, I would approach the situation in a careful and thorough manner to ensure I provide the best assistance possible. Here’s how I would handle it:

1. Clarify the patron’s needs: I would begin by asking the patron specific questions to understand their research objective and the scope of their meta-analysis. This will help me assess their level of familiarity with the process and determine the appropriate level of guidance required.

2. Provide an overview: I would explain what a meta-analysis is, emphasizing its purpose as a statistical synthesis of multiple studies to draw meaningful conclusions. I would highlight the importance of a well-defined research question, appropriate inclusion criteria, and systematic analysis.

3. Assess their skills and resources: It’s crucial to understand the patron’s familiarity with research methodologies, statistical analysis, and access to relevant databases. This assessment will help me tailor my guidance accordingly and recommend appropriate resources and tools.

4. Teach search strategies: Meta-analyses require a comprehensive literature search. I would guide the patron through constructing effective search strategies using medical databases like PubMed, Embase, or Cochrane Library. This would include utilizing appropriate Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), Boolean operators, and search filters.

5. Recommend additional resources: I would suggest specific resources such as systematic review databases (e.g., PROSPERO, DARE) and grey literature sources (e.g., conference proceedings, preprints) that can enhance the completeness of their search. I would also recommend software tools for citation management and data extraction, such as EndNote or Covidence.

6. Evaluate study quality: I would explain the importance of critically appraising included studies for their quality and potential biases. I would introduce the patron to critical appraisal tools and provide guidance on assessing study design, methodology, and statistical analysis.

7. Assist with data extraction and analysis: Depending on the patron’s level of expertise, I would provide guidance on data extraction, statistical analysis, and interpreting the results. I would recommend statistical software such as R … Read full answer

   Source: https://hireabo.com/job/18_0_9/Medical%20Librarian