A guide to understanding meta-analysis

With the focus on evidence-based practice in healthcare, a well-conducted systematic review that includes a meta-analysis where indicated represents a high level of evidence for treatment effectiveness. The purpose of this commentary is to assist clinicians in understanding meta-analysis as a statis...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:The journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy 2011-07, Vol.41 (7), p.496-504
Main Authors: Israel, Heidi, Richter, Randy R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Back Pain - epidemiology
Back Pain - therapy
Evidence-Based Medicine - methods
Female
Humans
Male
Meta-Analysis as Topic
Models, Statistical
Osteoarthritis, Hip - epidemiology
Osteoarthritis, Hip - therapy
Osteoarthritis, Knee - epidemiology
Osteoarthritis, Knee - therapy
Sample Size
Treatment Outcome
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:With the focus on evidence-based practice in healthcare, a well-conducted systematic review that includes a meta-analysis where indicated represents a high level of evidence for treatment effectiveness. The purpose of this commentary is to assist clinicians in understanding meta-analysis as a statistical tool using both published articles and explanations of components of the technique. We describe what meta-analysis is, what heterogeneity is, and how it affects meta-analysis, effect size, the modeling techniques of meta-analysis, and strengths and weaknesses of meta-analysis. Common components like forest plot interpretation, software that may be used, special cases for meta-analysis, such as subgroup analysis, individual patient data, and meta-regression, and a discussion of criticisms, are included.
ISSN:0190-6011
1938-1344
DOI:10.2519/jospt.2011.3333