JSM 2011 Online Program

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Activity Details


CE_23T	Wed, 8/3/2011, 8:00 AM - 9:45 AM	HQ-Poinciana Salon 1
Meta-Analysis Concepts and Applications — Continuing Education CTW
ASA , Biostat, Inc.
Instructor(s): Michael Borenstein, Biostat, Inc.
Meta-analysis is a set of statistical procedures to synthesize data from multiple studies. Meta-analysis provides a context for the synthesis, by allowing us to examine the pattern of results, rather than working with each study in isolation. When the treatment effect (or effect size) is consistent from one study to the next, meta-analysis yields a more precise estimate (and more powerful test) of that treatment effect than any single study. When the treatment effect varies from one study to the next, meta-analysis allows us to assess (and possibly to explain) the variation. Meta-analyses are used to inform policy, to obtain approval for drugs, and to design new research. They also play a key role in grant applications and publications. We will explain the concept of meta-analysis and show how to compute treatment effects, compute a combined effect, assess heterogeneity, and explain variation in treatment effects across studies. We will discuss the difference between fixed-effect and random-effects models. We will address common criticisms of meta-analysis such as the validity of combining different kinds of data, and apparent conflicts between meta-analyses and clinical trials. The course is intended as an introduction to this field, and no special knowledge is required.

2011 JSM Online Program Home

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