Veroniki, AA;
Jackson, D;
Bender, R;
Kuss, O;
Langan, D;
Higgins, JPT;
Knapp, G;
(2019)
Methods to calculate uncertainty in the estimated overall effect size from a random-effects meta-analysis.
Research Synthesis Methods
, 10
(1)
pp. 23-43.
10.1002/jrsm.1319.
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Abstract
Meta-analyses are an important tool within systematic reviews to estimate the overall effect size and its confidence interval for an outcome of interest. If heterogeneity between the results of the relevant studies is anticipated, then a random-effects model is often preferred for analysis. In this model, a prediction interval for the true effect in a new study also provides additional useful information. However, the DerSimonian and Laird method - frequently used as the default method for meta-analyses with random effects - has been long challenged due to its unfavourable statistical properties. Several alternative methods have been proposed that may have better statistical properties in specific scenarios. In this paper, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of available methods for calculating point estimates, confidence intervals and prediction intervals for the overall effect size under the random-effects model. We indicate whether some methods are preferable than others by considering the results of comparative simulation and real-life data studies.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Methods to calculate uncertainty in the estimated overall effect size from a random-effects meta-analysis |
| Location: | England |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1002/jrsm.1319 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1002/jrsm.1319 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Confidence interval, evidence synthesis, meta-analysis, overall treatment effect, random effects |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health > Population, Policy and Practice Dept |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10055309 |
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