Ma Topic Intake

Ma Topic Intake

Overview

Turn the raw topic into a formal protocol and a search-ready research question.

Inputs

• TOPIC.txt
• Any user constraints or preferences

Outputs

• 01_protocol/pico.yaml (includes analysis_type.preliminary: pairwise or nma_candidate)
• 01_protocol/eligibility.md
• 01_protocol/outcomes.md
• 01_protocol/search-plan.md
• 01_protocol/decision-log.md
• 01_protocol/analysis-type-decision.md (Stage 1 filled)

Workflow

1. Read TOPIC.txt and restate the question in PICO or PECO form.
2. Define primary and secondary outcomes, time horizon, and effect measures.
   • Write to 01_protocol/pico.yaml (L10-14: outcomes.primary/secondary fields)
   • Write to 01_protocol/outcomes.md 2b. Preliminary analysis type assessment (provisional — confirmed after screening):
   • Count distinct interventions/treatments in the research question
   • If ≥3 treatments → set analysis_type.preliminary: nma_candidate in pico.yaml (L22: analysis_type.preliminary field)
   • If 2 treatments → set analysis_type.preliminary: pairwise in pico.yaml (L22: analysis_type.preliminary field)
   • Document rationale in 01_protocol/decision-log.md
   • Copy references/analysis-type-decision-template.md → 01_protocol/analysis-type-decision.md and fill Stage 1
   • Note: nma_candidate is NOT confirmed NMA — it requires a confirmation gate after screening (see /ma-screening-quality step 8)
3. Specify inclusion and exclusion criteria, including study types and populations.
   • Write to 01_protocol/pico.yaml (L18-20: study_types.include/exclude fields)
   • Write to 01_protocol/eligibility.md
4. Define the search scope: databases, years, languages, and gray literature policy.
   • Write to 01_protocol/search-plan.md
5. Write a concise protocol summary and log assumptions or unresolved items.
   • Write to 01_protocol/decision-log.md
6. Ask targeted clarifying questions only if missing data blocks downstream steps.

Resources

• references/pico-template.yaml provides a structured PICO scaffold.
• references/analysis-type-decision-template.md documents the two-stage NMA vs Pairwise decision.

Validation

• Ensure each protocol file is consistent and non-contradictory.
• Record all assumptions in 01_protocol/decision-log.md.

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