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Meta-analysis methodology
Meta-analysis methodology
The CTU Meta-analysis Group conducts many
systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and results of these
projects can influence how future patients are treated. Therefore,
it is important that we use the best possible methods in order to
obtain the most reliable results.
We have done these across a number of diseases and conditions.
Some have been based on individual participant data (IPD) collected
directly from trial investigators and others on summary data
extracted from trial reports. In the day-to-day conduct of both
types, we sometimes face practical and/or statistical problems, and
are sometimes concerned about bias or heterogeneity.
Therefore, we want to find ways to resolve these issues and then
use improved methods in our future projects. We also want to
provide guidance and training to others conducting systematic
reviews and meta-analyses to also help them improve conduct of
their own projects.
Our meta-analysis methodological research currently has a number
of themes:
Improving the analysis of IPD
Using IPD to explore heterogeneity and bias
Developing a systematic approach to reviewing
methodological research
