Classes
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses: Study Selection, Data Extraction, Bias Assessment and Data Analysis
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are heavily influenced by the studies that have
been identified and included in a review. To help decide which studies to include
and which data a reviewer needs, we will discuss transparent methods that should be
employed. The analysis and conclusions of a review are influenced by the validity
of included data and results; we will demonstrate how an evaluation of bias within
the included studies plays a vital role. Finally, we will introduce a framework for
data synthesis using straightforward methods for statistically combining results of
two or more studies when appropriate.