Table 1 Methods considered to synthesize results of meta-analyses
From: Synthesising results of meta-analyses to inform policy: a comparison of fast-track methods
Name | Inputs | Use data from primary studies | Procedure | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Second-order meta-analysis (SOMA) | Mean effect size of 1st order MAs and their standard errors | No | Weighted average of the means effect sizes reported by the MAs | Overall mean effect size and its confidence interval |
Most accurate meta-analysis (MAMA) | Mean effect size of 1st order MAs and their standard errors | No | Select the most accurate MA based on coefficient of variation | Mean effect size and confidence interval of the most accurate 1st order MA |
Counting of meta-analysis results (COMA) | Confidence intervals of mean effect sizes of 1st order MAs | No | Count the number of significant positive and negative effects, and of non-significant effects | Qualitative score (Positive effect, Negative effect, No effect) |
Reference meta-analysis (REMA) | Individual effect sizes of primary studies and their standard errors (or original data) | Yes | Global MA of all individual studies | Overall mean effect size and its confidence interval |