The data tables in diagnostic reviews are based on linking studies with tests reported in them. You can set up the data tables in two ways:
per test, by adding studies that report data about that test, or
per study, by adding the tests reported in that study.
RevMan has two sections that both represent the same underlying structure: 'Data tables by test' and 'Data table by study'. As you modify one section, RevMan automatically updates the corresponding section.
You must have added studies to the Included Studies section before you can begin constructing the data tables.
To create a test
Right-click the Data Tables by Test heading in the outline pane (under Data and analyses) and choose Add Test.
The New Test Wizard opens.
Enter a name for the test.
You can add a full name for the test in the Full Name field.
Click Next.
Enter a description of the test.
Click Finish.
The test you created opens as a new tab in the content pane. It will be empty because studies have not yet been added to it.
If you later on wish to modify the test, right-click it and choose Properties.
Before you can enter the test data, you must link studies and tests. You can do this either from the tests or the studies.
To link studies to a test
Right-click the test in the outline pane and choose Add Test Data.
The Add Test Data Wizard opens.
Select the studies for which you want to be able to add data.
Use Ctrl-click (Command-click on Mac OS) to select multiple studies. If studies have already been used once for the test, this will be shown. You can add a study more that once.
Click Finish.
To link tests to a study
Right-click the study in the outline pane and choose Add Test Data.
The Add Test Data Wizard opens.
Select the tests for which you want to be able to add data.
Use Ctrl-click (Command-click on Mac OS) to select multiple tests. If tests have already been used once for the study, this will be shown.
Click Finish.
After you have set up the data tables, you can enter the data of each study in the cells. See Entering data.