A guide to prospective meta-analysis

Anna Lene Seidler, Kylie E. Hunter, Saskia Cheyne, Davina Ghersi, Jesse A. Berlin, Lisa Askie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleOtherpeer-review

97 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In a prospective meta-analysis (PMA), study selection criteria, hypotheses, and analyses are specified before the results of the studies related to the PMA research question are known, reducing many of the problems associated with a traditional (retrospective) meta-analysis. PMAs have many advantages: they can help reduce research waste and bias, and they are adaptive, efficient, and collaborative. Despite an increase in the number of health research articles labelled as PMAs, the methodology remains rare, novel, and often misunderstood. This paper provides detailed guidance on how to address the key elements for conducting a high quality PMA with a case study to illustrate each step.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberl5342
Number of pages11
JournalBMJ
Volume367
Issue numberl5342
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes

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