Statistical methods can be improved within Cochrane pregnancy and childbirth reviews

Ref ID 600
First Author R. D. Riley
Journal JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
Year Of Publishing 2011
URL https://www.jclinepi.com/article/S0895-4356(10)00284-2/fulltext
Keywords Cochrane
Statistical
Expertise
Publication bias
Heterogeneity
Inference
Gynaecology
Problem(s) Inadequate analysis of heterogeneity
Poor consideration of publication bias
Lack of statistical expertise in handling of quantitative data
Incorrect interpretation or statistical inference error from meta-analysis
Number of systematic reviews included 75
Summary of Findings Of the 44 reviews that reported one or more random effects meta-analyses, none correctly interpreted its pooled result. 91% of reviews did not assess publication bias. 65% of reviews with substantial heterogeneity did not explore the causes of the heterogeneity.
Did the article find that the problem(s) led to qualitative changes in interpretation of the results? Not Applicable
Are the methods of the article described in enough detail to replicate the study? Yes