Mean and Mean difference are the two key statistical measures used in the statistical analysis. Both are essential for meta-analysis as well. Mean and Mean difference are used for the interpretation of a large set of values into a single number which explains the heterogeneity and variation among the individual values. However, one of a common challenge in meta-analysis is the unavailability of this data (mean and standard deviation).
Q & A Forum
Meta Analysis
Q: Can confidence intervals be used to conclude that an intervention is ineffective?
Yes. If an effect estimate is small and its confidence interval excludes the minimum clinically meaningful benefit, the intervention can be deemed not useful.
For example:
- If the minimum required benefit is 5% and the CI is 1% to 4%, the intervention fails to meet clinical usefulness.
- If the CI includes 0%, there is a possibility that no effect exists at all, further weakening the evidence for its benefit.
Thus, confidence intervals help assess both effectiveness and ineffectiveness of an intervention.
Refernce:
Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. (2011). 12.4.1 Confidence intervals. The Cochrane Collaboration. Retrieved from
https://handbook-5-1.cochrane.org/chapter_12/12_4_1_confidence_intervals.htm