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Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses

What is a systematic review?

A systematic review seeks to systematically search for, appraise and synthesis research evidence, often adhering to guidelines on the conduct of a review.

  • In this research process, we aim for an exhaustive, comprehensive search of the literature.
  • The synthesis of evidence is typically narrative with tabular accompaniment.
  • The analysis aims to determine what is known; recommendations for practice, what remains unknown; uncertainty around findings, and/or recommendations for future research.

 

Grant MJ, Booth A. A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Info Libr J. 2009 Jun;26(2):91-108. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x. Review. PubMed PMID: 19490148.

What is a meta-analysis?

A meta-analysis is a technique that statistically combines the results of quantitative studies to provide a more precise effect of the results.

  • Aims for exhaustive searching. May use funnel plot to assess completeness.
  • The synthesis of evidence is typically graphical and tabular with narrative commentary.
  • The analysis consists of numerical analysis of measures of effect assuming absence of heterogeneity

 

Grant MJ, Booth A. A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Info Libr J. 2009 Jun;26(2):91-108. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x. Review. PubMed PMID: 19490148.