11.Meta analysis03.Observational studies - sporedata/researchdesigneR GitHub Wiki

1. Use cases: in which situations should I use this method?

  • When there is literature regarding a clinical question, and where the existing literature is predominantly observational

2. Input: what kind of data does the method require?

  • Observational studies focused on a clinical topic, often therapy
  • The studies focus on a given population, intervention/comparator, and outcomes (PICO)

3. Algorithm: how does the method work?

Model mechanics

Meta-analyses using observational studies are far more challenging than the ones for randomized trials, as there are a far larger number of biases and methodological aspects to consider [5], articles are more difficult to identify, among a number of other aspects. With that said, good quality observational studies do bring in a real-world perspective, which is often lacking in clinical trials [5].

Reporting guidelines

  • PRISMA statement [1].
  • Practical guide to meta-analysis [2].

Data science packages

Suggested companion methods

Learning materials

  1. Books *
  2. Articles
    • Methods for systematic reviews of administrative database studies capturing health outcomes of interest [3].
    • Random-effects meta-analysis [4].

4. Output: how do I interpret this method's results?

Mock conclusions or most frequent format for conclusions reached at the end of a typical analysis.

Tables, plots, and their interpretation

5. SporeData-specific

Templates

Data science functions

References

[1] Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, Prisma Group. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLoS med. 2009 Jul 21;6(7):e1000097.

[2] Arya S, Schwartz TA, Ghaferi AA. Practical Guide to Meta-analysis. JAMA surgery. 2020 May 1;155(5):430-1.

[3] McPheeters ML, Sathe NA, Jerome RN, Carnahan RM. Methods for systematic reviews of administrative database studies capturing health outcomes of interest.. Vaccine. 2013 Dec 30;31:K2-6.

[4] Serghiou S, Goodman SN. Random-effects meta-analysis. Jama. 2019 Jan 22;321(3):301-2.

[5] Saldanha IJ, Adam GP, Bañez LL, Bass EB, Berliner E, Devine B, Hammarlund N, Jain A, Norris SL, Skelly AC, Vander Ley K. Inclusion of nonrandomized studies of interventions in systematic reviews of interventions: updated guidance from the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality Effective Health Care program. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology. 2022 Dec 1;152:300-6.

⚠️ **GitHub.com Fallback** ⚠️