A statistical pooling of results from multiple similar studies into one combined estimate.
A meta-analysis quantitatively combines effect estimates from several studies addressing the same question, typically weighting each by precision (e.g. inverse-variance) to produce a pooled effect and confidence interval. It is often paired with a systematic review, and its reliability depends heavily on the quality and comparability of the included studies — high heterogeneity or publication bias can make the pooled estimate misleading. Clinicians should check the heterogeneity statistics (e.g. I²) and risk-of-bias assessment of included trials before trusting the summary effect.
This guide was auto-drafted and is pending editorial review.