Basics of meta-analysis

Indian J Gastroenterol. 2020 Oct;39(5):503-513. doi: 10.1007/s12664-020-01107-x. Epub 2020 Nov 4.

Abstract

Meta-analysis is an approach to formally, systematically and quantitatively analyze multiple existing research studies and to synthesize new research findings based upon the existing data. Until the late 1970s, meta-analyses were not regularly reported in the medical literature, but since then there has been an exponential growth of meta-analyses and they are now among the most frequently cited form of research. A properly performed systematic review and meta-analysis is a very important tool in evidence-based medicine and a good understanding of the steps involved in doing a systematic review and meta-analysis is important to yield meaningful results. The purpose of this review article is to provide a brief overview about systematic reviews and meta-analyses and the underlying principles for conducting this type of research. Methodological approaches for conducting a meticulous meta-analysis are described and the important steps involved in the interpretation and presentation of meta-analysis are outlined and discussed. The key objective of this paper is to outline a step-by-step approach that is useful to all researchers, who would like to conduct their first meta-analysis. This paper also provides clinicians and researchers with the information to interpret systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Keywords: Bias; Evidence-based medicine; Meta-analysis; Systematic review.

MeSH terms

  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic*
  • Research / trends*
  • Research Design
  • Systematic Reviews as Topic* / methods