title: Meta-analysis: apples and oranges, or fruitless.
abstract: Meta-analysis is an impressive tool for systematic synthesis of health care management and policy research findings. Used wisely, it can impose an appealing order on the chaos of a large body of evidence. Occasionally, it can even contribute to resolution of a clinical controversy. However, the technique is currently in a state of evolution. Until it is further refined and standardized, its consumers must be mindful of its limitations and use meta-analytic reviews with care.
authors: American Medical Association, Chicago, IL.
authors: J B
authors: JB
authors: Vatz
mesh_terms: D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D014481:United States