title: Approaches for synthesising complex mental health interventions in meta-analysis.
abstract: Clinical and statistical heterogeneity are commonplace in meta-analysis of mental health interventions. One possible source of this heterogeneity is the complexity of the intervention being evaluated. Complexity may relate to the intervention, or to the way in which it is implemented; however, the most common interpretation of a complex intervention is one which has multiple, potentially interacting components. In this article we outline different analytical strategies suggested for incorporating intervention complexity in a meta-analysis.
authors.affiliation: School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Deborah M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Caldwell
authors.affiliation: School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Nicky J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Welton
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome