Meta-analysis

Meta-analysis:

Study of studies. An attempt to condense the results of several clinical trials.
Not to be confused with a systematic review of the literature.
Original data from all available studies are collected and analysed together as if they are one dataset  this increases the power by the use of a larger sample size – also improves the estimate of effect size.

Issues:
• wisdom of combining results from studies that differ in many respects
• “publication bias” – only positive results tend to get published – negative studies may not be available for inclusion

Approach Used to Conduct Meta-Analyses May Affect Outcomes

http://www.students4bestevidence.net/meta-analysis-what-why-and-how/

Hilda Bastian: Should we trust meta-analyses with meta conflicts of interest?

The misuse and abuse of meta-analyses