Introduction to meta-analysis

A systematic review seeks to synthesise the results of multiple studies together to answer a particular question. One of the methods available to do this is meta-analysis. This presentation is an introduction to the principles of meta-analysis, including when it may or may not be appropriate, and how to interpret forest plots.

Approved by the Cochrane Methods Board on 23 September 2011.
Compiled by Miranda Cumpston, based on materials by Sally Hopewell, Julian Higgins, the Cochrane Statistical Methods Group and the Dutch Cochrane Centre