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Building Extraction Forms

Extraction forms define what data reviewers collect from each study. You design them before assigning extractions.

Creating a Form​

  1. In the project, go to Extraction Forms.
  2. Click New Form.
  3. Give it a name (e.g., "Main Extraction Form").
  4. The form builder opens.

Adding Sections​

A form is made up of sections. Each section is one of three types:

Type1 — Tables​

Type1 sections collect tabular data where rows represent entities (study arms, populations, outcomes, interventions) and columns represent attributes (measures, values).

Common uses:

  • Study arms (treatment groups)
  • Populations and subgroups
  • Outcomes and timepoints
  • Interventions and comparators

To add a Type1 section:

  1. Click Add Section → Type 1.
  2. Name the section (e.g., "Study Arms").
  3. Add rows (e.g., each arm in the study) and columns (e.g., "Sample size", "Mean age", "Dosage").
  4. Reviewers will fill in the table cells for each study.

Type2 — Narrative Questions​

Type2 sections contain individual questions with various input types:

Question typeDescription
TextFree-text entry
SelectDropdown — pick one option
RadioRadio buttons — pick one
CheckboxMulti-select checkboxes
TextareaLong-form text entry

To add a Type2 section:

  1. Click Add Section → Type 2.
  2. Name the section (e.g., "Study Characteristics").
  3. Click Add Question and choose the question type.
  4. Enter the question text and (for select/radio/checkbox) define the options.

Dependencies: A question can be set to appear only when another question has a specific answer. Use Toggle Dependency on any question to configure this.

Type3 — Statistical Results​

Type3 sections capture structured statistical outcomes: comparisons between study arms, with associated measures and numerical values.

Structure:

  • A Comparison links one or more arms (e.g., Treatment vs. Control) to one or more outcomes.
  • Each comparison can have multiple Measures (e.g., Risk Ratio, p-value, 95% CI).
  • Results can include an ANOVA flag for analyses involving more than two groups.

To add a Type3 section:

  1. Click Add Section → Type 3.
  2. Name the section (e.g., "Primary Outcomes").
  3. Reviewers will create comparisons and enter measure values during extraction.

Previewing the Form​

Click Preview to see how the form will appear to reviewers before assigning extractions.

Quality Dimensions​

Each section can have Quality Dimensions added — structured quality assessment questions (e.g., risk of bias items). Click Add Quality Dimension on any section.