Note: Introductory Statistics and Research Methods or equivalent is a pre-requisite for this course.

A one-day course introducing the statistical considerations relevant to the design, conduct and reporting of meta-analyses. Intended primarily as a consumer’s guide, it lays the foundations for those wishing to conduct medical research requiring the pooling of evidence from related studies. The aim is to enable you to read the meta-analytic literature critically and to begin working on a meta-analysis aware of the issues involved.

Course aims to:

1. Present the potential and limitations of meta-analysis
2. Discuss the stages of a meta-analysis, and give advice on the statistical aspects involved

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Appreciate the potential and limitations of meta-analysis
• Look beyond a pooled result, recognising the importance of exploring heterogeneity, sensitivity to review methods and methodological quality
• Assess whether a meta-analysis is designed to minimise bias
• Calculate a Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio
• Sketch & interpret a forest plot
• Structure a report correctly and appraise the published literature

Approximate Timetable: