Conducting a meta-analysis involves several key steps:
1. Formulating the Research Question: This includes defining the population, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and study designs (PICOS). 2. Systematic Literature Search: Comprehensive searches of databases like PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library are conducted to identify relevant studies. 3. Study Selection: Inclusion and exclusion criteria are applied to select studies that are relevant to the research question. 4. Data Extraction: Data on study characteristics, methods, and results are extracted systematically. 5. Assessment of Study Quality: The quality of the included studies is assessed using tools like the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool or Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. 6. Statistical Analysis: Effect sizes from individual studies are combined using statistical methods such as fixed-effect or random-effects models. 7. Interpretation: The results are interpreted in the context of the heterogeneity, publication bias, and quality of the included studies.
