title: A systematic comparison of software dedicated to meta-analysis of causal studies.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Our objective was to systematically assess the differences in features, results, and usability of currently available meta-analysis programs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic review of software. We did an extensive search on the internet (Google, Yahoo, Altavista, and MSN) for specialized meta-analysis software. We included six programs in our review: Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA), MetAnalysis, MetaWin, MIX, RevMan, and WEasyMA. Two investigators compared the features of the software and their results. Thirty independent researchers evaluated the programs on their usability while analyzing one data set.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The programs differed substantially in features, ease-of-use, and price. Although most results from the programs were identical, we did find some minor numerical inconsistencies. CMA and MIX scored highest on usability and these programs also have the most complete set of analytical features.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In consideration of differences in numerical results, we believe the user community would benefit from openly available and systematically updated information about the procedures and results of each program's validation. The most suitable program for a meta-analysis will depend on the user's needs and preferences and this report provides an overview that should be helpful in making a substantiated choice.
authors.forename: Leon
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bax
authors.forename: Ly-Mee
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Noriaki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ikeda
authors.forename: Karel G M
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Moons
mesh_terms: D020407:Internet; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design; D012984:Software