Do you need to understand the results of a meta-analysis?

Check out this method: interpreting meta-analysis graphs: the forest plot method

Suppose, in your search for the best available evidence on adult smoking cessation, you find a systematic review that contains a meta-analysis and forest plot. To refresh your memory on how to interpret a forest plot you search for a method to help you.

Forest plots graphically display the results of a meta-analysis to show the overall effect for the question of interest. This practical method provides an overview of critically appraising systematic reviews and meta-analysis, and outlines how to interpret forest plots.

By using a rigorous process to search, appraise and synthesize research, the systematic review provides a summary of knowledge on a question that assesses the validity and quality of included primary research studies (Ciliska, Cullum & Marks, 2001). Meta-analysis statistically combines the samples of each contributing study to create an overall summary statistic that is more precise than the effect size in the individual studies (Ciliska, Cullum & Marks, 2001). To learn more about interpreting and applying the results of a meta-analysis, see Freemantle & Geedes, 1998.

This resource includes:

• Using criteria to assess systematic reviews and meta-analyses
• Interpreting forest plots with a binary outcome variable  
• Interpreting forest plots with a continuous outcome variable
• Comparing meta-analyses of binary and continuous variables and outcome effect measures

For more info, check out our summary of this tool http://www.nccmt.ca/registry/view/eng/166.html

Remember: NCCMT’s video series “Understanding Research Evidence” includes a video about forest plots and meta-analysis!

Find all the videos in this series here: http://www.nccmt.ca/resources/multimedia-eng.html#ure

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An introduction to OutbreakHelp.ca, a NEW online resource

Thursday, June 11, 2015
9:30 – 10:30 am Eastern Daylight Time

Join Maureen Dobbins, Scientific Director, National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools for a 60 minute introduction to OutbreakHelp.ca , a new online platform to share information and promote discussion on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) prevention, management and control. This website aims to provide guidance for health and allied professionals and support access to what you need to know when you need to know it.

Register now! http://ow.ly/MOytM

Spotlight on Methods and Tools webinar featuring our new Anatomy of a Systematic Review factsheet

Thursday June 25
11:30am to 1pm EST

Join us to find out where to look for key info in a systematic review! Watch for more information and registration link coming soon.

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