This session, part of the Statistical analysis in systematic reviews series, will give a short, non-technical, introduction to meta-analysis, which is the statistical method used for combining results across studies in a systematic review.

It will explain what a meta-analysis is and why it is used, and examine how meta-analyses are presented in Cochrane reviews in the form of forest plots.

This session is for anyone involved in producing a Cochrane review who wants to learn more about the statistical components of a review. It is primarily aimed at Cochrane authors and trainers from Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs), although anyone is welcome to attend.

Presenter Bio

Dr Mark Simmonds is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of York, UK and a UK Co-convenor of the Cochrane Statistical Methods Group. Mark has over 20 years’ experience in research into meta-analysis methods and practice. His research has a particular focus on individual participant data reviews, living systematic reviews, and understanding heterogeneity.

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Tuesday, 15 July 2025, 08:00 UTC [check the time in your timezone] SIGN UP HERE

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