SYSTEMATIC REVIEW |
META-ANALYSIS |
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A systematic review summarizes the evidence from multiple studies in a narrative format. |
A meta-analysis combines the data from the studies in a systematic review in order to increases the number of subjects and improves estimates of the size of the effect. |
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METHOD |
Systematically search for, appraise, and synthesize research evidence |
Statistically combines the results of quantitative studies to provide a more precise effect of the results |
FORMAT |
Results are narrative with some tabular components |
Results are graphical and tabular with narrative commentary |
CONTENT |
Makes recommendations for practice. Identifies areas where further research is needed. |
Provides a numerical analysis of the measure of effect assuming absence of heterogeneity. |
PRISMA Checklist: a list of items to include in meta-analyses
MOOSE: a list of items to include in meta-analyses on observational studies
"Analysing data and undertaking meta-analyses" (Cochrane Handbook, Ch. 10) covers the principles and various methods for conducting meta-analyses for the main types of data encountered.