A brief introduction of meta-analyses in clinical practice and research |
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Authors: | Xiao-Meng Wang Xi-Ru Zhang Zhi-Hao Li Wen-Fang Zhong Pei Yang Chen Mao |
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Institution: | Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China |
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Abstract: | With the explosive growth of medical information, it is almost impossible for healthcare providers to review and evaluate all relevant evidence to make the best clinical decisions. Meta-analyses, which summarize all existing evidence and quantitatively synthesize individual studies, have become the best available evidence for informing clinical practice. This article introduces the common methods, steps, principles, strengths and limitations of meta-analyses and aims to help healthcare providers and researchers obtain a basic understanding of meta-analyses in clinical practice and research. |
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Keywords: | clinical research meta-analysis |
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