Narrative Review to Meta-Analysis: A Cookbook Approach to Evidence Synthesis in Surgical Research

Jeremy J Cook; Tyler Rodericks; Emily A Cook

doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2023.08.002

Narrative Review to Meta-Analysis: A Cookbook Approach to Evidence Synthesis in Surgical Research

Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2024 Apr;41(2):291-311. doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2023.08.002. Epub 2023 Oct 21.

Authors

Jeremy J Cook¹, Tyler Rodericks², Emily A Cook²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Podiatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mount Auburn Hospital, 330 Mount Auburn Street, Suite 519, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. Electronic address: jcook2@mah.harvard.edu.
² Division of Podiatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mount Auburn Hospital, 330 Mount Auburn Street, Suite 519, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

PMID: 38388126
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpm.2023.08.002

Abstract

Evidence synthesis is a complex approach to research that can consolidate the current understanding of a particular topic from various sources. A design hierarchy based upon reliability is described in detail. Methodology is described explicitly to provide readers with a foundation for performing and understanding published evidence synthesis. Resources that detail access to the comprehensive database are presented and explained. Special care is taken to discuss appraisal of studies prior to analysis.

Keywords: Evidence synthesis; Meta-analysis; Narrative review; Systematic review.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Biomedical Research*
General Surgery*
Reproducibility of Results
Research Design*