title: Demystifying fixed and random effects meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Systematic reviewers often need to choose between two statistical methods when synthesising evidence in a meta-analysis: the fixed effect and the random effects models. The two approaches entail different assumptions about the treatment effect in the included studies. The aim of this paper was to explain the assumptions underlying each model and their implications in the interpretation of summary results.
  
  
  METHODS
  We discussed the key assumptions underlying the two methods and the subsequent implications on interpreting results. We used two illustrative examples from a published meta-analysis and highlighted differences in results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The two meta-analytic approaches may yield similar or contradicting results. Even if results between the two models are similar, summary estimates should be interpreted in a different way.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Selection between fixed or random effects should be based on the clinical relevance of the assumptions that characterise each approach. Researchers should consider the implications of the analysis model in the interpretation of the findings and use prediction intervals in the random effects meta-analysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, , Ioannina, Greece.
authors.forename: Adriani
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nikolakopoulou
authors.forename: Dimitris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mavridis
authors.forename: Georgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Salanti
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D015233:Models, Statistical; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents