A quality-effects model for meta-analysis.
We introduce a quality-effects approach that combines evidence from a series of trials comparing 2 interventions. This approach incorporates the heterogeneity of effects in the analysis of the overall interventional efficacy. However, unlike the random-effects model based on observed between-trial heterogeneity, we suggest adjustment based on measured methodological heterogeneity between studies. We propose a simple noniterative procedure for computing the combined effect size under this model and suggest that this could represent a more convincing alternative to the random effects model.
Doi
Suhail A R
SA
Division of Endocrinology, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Teaching Hospital, Kuwait University, Kuwait. sardoi@gmx.net
Thalib
Lukman
L
D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D015233:Models, Statistical; D012306:Risk