Differences Between Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis

Introduction

• Presenter: Randerson Cardoo, a cardiologist in Boston.
• Channel: Metanalysis Academy.
• Focus: Systematic reviews, meta-analysis, research careers, and how publications in meta-analysis can advance your career.

Systematic Review

• Definition: Process to identify, appraise, and synthesize empirical evidence meeting pre-specified criteria to answer a well-defined research question (using Cochrane's definition).
• Characteristics:
  • Pre-specified and follows specific methods.
  • Involves defining a specific question including population, intervention, control group, and outcomes.
  • Systematically searches for studies that fit the inclusion criteria.
  • Uses methodic ways to search and include studies.
• Purpose: To identify all studies fitting a pre-specified research question and minimize bias.

Meta-Analysis

• Definition: Statistical technique for quantitative synthesis of studies identified in a systematic review.
• Functions:
  • Analyzes data collectively from the identified studies.
  • Provides a mathematical synthesis of these studies.
  • Offers a unified conclusion of all studies.
• Contrast:
  • Systematic Review: Identifies and organizes studies (like pieces of a puzzle).
  • Meta-Analysis: Puts the puzzle together to reach a conclusion based on collective analysis.
• Bias: A meta-analysis without a systematic review can introduce bias if studies are selectively chosen.

Reporting Differences

• Systematic Review:
  • Results are qualitative and narrative.
  • Example: Reporting individual study findings qualitatively.
• Meta-Analysis:
  • Results are quantitative.
  • Uses forest plots for statistical results display.
  • Combines study results mathematically.

When to Use Only a Systematic Review

• Methodological Differences: Studies may not be combinable due to differences in methods, outcomes, or populations.
• Skills Gap: Lack of skills to conduct a meta-analysis.

Conclusion

• Systematic Review: Process to systematically identify all studies fitting a pre-specified question.
• Meta-Analysis: Combines all identified studies into one result after systematic review.

Further Learning

• Invite: Join the Metanalysis Academy waitlist to learn all tools from developing an idea to writing a manuscript.
• Offer: Learn systematic reviews and meta-analysis in the Metanalysis Academy program.