Keywords

effect size, effectiveness, fixed effects, meta-analysis, random effects, systematic review

 

Authors

  1. Tufanaru, Catalin MD, MPH, MClinSci (EBHC)
  2. Munn, Zachary PhD
  3. Stephenson, Matthew PhD
  4. Aromataris, Edoardo PhD

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Systematic review aims to systematically identify, critically appraise, and summarize all relevant studies that match predefined criteria and answer predefined questions. The most common type of systematic review is that assessing the effectiveness of an intervention or therapy. In this article, we discuss some of the common methodological issues that arise when conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of effectiveness data, including issues related to study designs, meta-analysis, and the use and interpretation of effect sizes.