What is a multiple treatments meta-analysis?

Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2012 Jun;21(2):151-3. doi: 10.1017/S2045796011000837.

Abstract

Standard meta-analyses are an effective tool in evidence-based medicine, but one of their main drawbacks is that they can compare only two alternative treatments at a time. Moreover, if no trials exist which directly compare two interventions, it is not possible to estimate their relative efficacy. Multiple treatments meta-analyses use a meta-analytical technique that allows the incorporation of evidence from both direct and indirect comparisons from a network of trials of different interventions to estimate summary treatment effects as comprehensively and precisely as possible.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Meta-Analysis as Topic*
  • Psychiatry / methods*
  • Research Design*