This two-and-a-half hour online training will introduce the fundamentals of conducting a meta-analysis. The focus will be on randomized clinical trials; however, the instructor will also briefly discuss the application of meta-analyses in laboratory and observational (epidemiological) studies. Time will be devoted to questions from attendees and references will be provided for in-depth self-study.
By the end of this training, attendees will be able to:
- Describe hypothesis testing and different study designs
- Define what is a meta-analysis
- List the steps to conduct
- Explain where to find additional resources
Attendees should have an acquaintance with basic statistical concepts (including, but not limited to: dichotomous and continuous outcomes, odds ratios, standard deviation and error, weighted average, fixed and random effects and associated models, etc.). However, it will only be necessary to understand the principles and interpretation of these ideas, not the underlying mathematics and calculations to learn the principles presented. This class will not contain a “hands-on” portion or a set of exercises to be completed in a statistical software package during the training or afterwards.
This class will be taught by the NIH Clinical Center's Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology Service (BCES).