Issues in meta-analysis: an overview.
A summary is provided for the relevant issues that investigators must address when wishing to synthesize data via a meta-analysis. The analogy is made to conducting a clinical trial and its components. Both design and statistical issues are discussed with the goal of assuring that the proper elements are included in the meta-analysis. Further, global concerns are presented so that the researcher is aware of the clinical controversies faced when conducting a meta-analysis. Finally a comparison is made of the advantages and disadvantages of a large-scale clinical trial versus a meta-analysis.
Bartolucci
A A
AA
Katholi
C R
CR
Singh
K P
KP
Alarcón
G S
GS
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design