Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion.
Specific interventions included in the review
For the intervention group, treatment in a spa was necessary for inclusion in the review. Studies with control groups that did not receive spa treatments were eligible for inclusion, whereas those with a comparator group that received different treatments at a spa were not eligible. The control groups could receive identical treatments, but administered ambulant in their respective hometowns.
Participants included in the review
Patients who were randomised to either receiving treatment in a spa or not were eligible for inclusion.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The review was aimed at health status and direct and indirect cost assessments. The included studies assessed salpingitis- related complaints in one study; spinal mobility, motor functioning, pain and use of pain relief in another; and pain, joint functioning, use of medication and quality of life in a third.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors did not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many reviewers performed the selection.