Meta-analysis refers to the statistical analysis of the data from independent primary studies focused on the same question , which aims to generate a quantitative estimate of the studied phenomenon, for example, the effectiveness of the intervention (Gopalakrishnan and Ganeshkumar, 2013).
What is a meta-analysis simple definition?
Meta-analysis is a quantitative, formal, epidemiological study design used to systematically assess the results of previous research to derive conclusions about that body of research . Typically, but not necessarily, the study is based on randomized, controlled clinical trials.
What is an example of meta-analysis?
For example, a systematic review will focus specifically on the relationship between cervical cancer and long-term use of oral contraceptives , while a narrative review may be about cervical cancer. Meta-analyses are quantitative and more rigorous than both types of reviews.
Why do we use meta-analysis?
Meta-analysis would be used for the following purposes: To establish statistical significance with studies that have conflicting results . To develop a more correct estimate of effect magnitude . To provide a more complex analysis of harms, safety data, and benefits.
What is the difference between systematic review and meta-analysis?
A systematic review attempts to gather all available empirical research by using clearly defined, systematic methods to obtain answers to a specific question. A meta-analysis is the statistical process of analyzing and combining results from several similar studies.
What is the process of meta-analysis?
The steps of meta analysis are similar to that of a systematic review and include framing of a question, searching of literature, abstraction of data from individual studies , and framing of summary estimates and examination of publication bias.
How many studies do you need for a meta-analysis?
Two studies is a sufficient number to perform a meta-analysis, provided that those two studies can be meaningfully pooled and provided their results are sufficiently ‘similar’.
How do I choose a meta-analysis topic?
Any given meta-analysis can focus on only one metric at a time. While selecting a research question, researchers should think about the size of the literature base and select a manageable topic . At the same time, they should make sure the number of existing studies is large enough to warrant a meta-analysis.
What data is needed for a meta-analysis?
The two summary statistics commonly used for meta-analysis of continuous data are the mean difference (MD) and the standardized mean difference (SMD) . Other options are available, such as the ratio of means (see Chapter 6, Section 6.5.
What are the pros and cons of meta-analysis?
- pooled estimate of effect.
- allows for an objective appraisal of evidence.
- may reduce the probability of false negative results.
- heterogeneity between study results may be explained.
- avoids Simpson’s paradox.
What is the difference between meta-analysis and literature review?
A Literature review is the analysis of all existing literature in a field of study. ... Meta Analysis, on the other hand, is an analysis of similar scientific studies to establish an estimate closest to the common point of truth that exist between them .
What are the disadvantages of meta-analysis?
Additionally, meta-analyses can be poorly executed. Carelessness in abstracting and summarizing appropriate studies , failure to consider important covariates, bias on the part of the meta-analyst and overstatements of the strength and precision of the results can all contribute to invalid meta-analyses.
What are two reasons that one might want to conduct a meta-analysis?
- To increase power. ...
- To improve precision. ...
- To answer questions not posed by the individual studies. ...
- To settle controversies arising from apparently conflicting studies or to generate new hypotheses.
How do you know if it’s a meta-analysis?
Conduct a thorough search of the literature . Screen your search results against your pre- specified selection criteria to identify included studies. Appraise the quality of studies found. Synthesise the evidence, this is where meta-analysis may or may not come in.
How do you perform a meta-analysis and a systematic review?
- Formulate the review question. ...
- Define inclusion and exclusion criteria. ...
- Develop search strategy and locate studies. ...
- Select studies. ...
- Extract data. ...
- Assess study quality. ...
- Analyze and interpret results. ...
- Disseminate findings.
How do you know if an article is a meta-analysis?
In most Library databases, you can find meta-analysis research articles by using meta analysis as a search term . There are a few databases that have special limiters for publication type or methodology in the advanced searching section. ... Scroll down to the section: Nursing articles, journals & books.
