Biostatistics for gastroenterologists. Part III - Mastering meta-analysis for beginners.

Meta-analysis combines data from multiple independent studies to derive robust conclusions. This article provides an insightful guide to conducting meta-analyses with a particular focus on gastroenterology studies. The process of conducting a meta-analysis involves several systematic steps. Firstly, formulating a clear research question using the PICO format. Subsequently, a comprehensive literature search is conducted using databases like PubMed and Embase, followed by the establishment of inclusion and exclusion criteria to select eligible studies. Data extraction, quality assessment, and statistical analysis using suitable software are then undertaken. Key aspects of performing the meta-analysis include choosing between fixed-effects and random-effects models based on heterogeneity levels among studies. Calculating summary effect sizes and visualizing results through forest plots aid in interpreting outcomes effectively. This article emphasizes the significance of meta-analysis in evidence synthesis, illustrating its role in enhancing decision-making processes by providing more comprehensive and reliable conclusions. It quantifies relationships between variables, resolves conflicting findings, and increases statistical power by aggregating data. Meta-analysis stands as an indispensable tool in research and decision-making, requiring collaboration with statisticians for methodological rigor and accuracy.