Citation

Leucht S, Kissling W, Davis J. Acta Psychiatr. Scand. 2009; 119(6): 443-450.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1600-0447.2009.01388.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Objective : Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses are increasingly frequently used in the evaluation of medical treatments. This review explains the principles of the methodology, significance and limitations of systematic reviews.

Method: Short review article.

Results: In contrast to conventional reviews, systematic reviews use a structured approach in retrieving, analyzing and interpreting the evidence. A comprehensive search strategy is applied to identify all relevant trials. Study selection and data extraction is performed independently by at least two reviewers. The data are usually synthesized in a meta‐analysis applying statistical methods to examine homogeneity. Funnel plots and other statistical methods are applied to detect publication bias.

Conclusion: Due to the enormous amount of scientific information published every year, systematic reviews and meta‐analyses have become indispensable methods for the evaluation of medical treatments.