Goals and Tools

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Know the steps in performing a meta-analysis: identification, selection, abstraction, and analysis.
• Distinguish between random and fixed effects models when reading a meta-analysis
• Evaluate the validity of a meta-analysis

Later in this module, we will have you look at a simple meta-analysis, and critically appraise it.  Please have the following article available:

• Fahey T, Stocks N, Thomas T. Quantitative systematic review of randomised controlled trials comparing antibiotic with placebo for acute cough in adults.  BMJ 1998; 316: 906-10.

It is also available online, where you can view it or download a printable PDF file.