Meta-Analyses

	Research study cited in a meta-analysis.

Meta-analyses are defined by the National Library of Medicine as works consisting of studies using a quantitative method of combining the results of independent studies (usually drawn from the published literature) and synthesizing summaries and conclusions which may be used to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness, plan new studies, etc. A meta-analysis may be subject to author bias. Meta-Analyses are not the same as a review or a systematic review. See Reviews and Systematic Reviews for more information.

Assessment

Comprehensive review is required to locate meta-analyses.

	Search using the keywords, title or the name of the author/research study.

Some resources that may be helpful include the following:

Cochrane Library

The Cochrane Library consists of a regularly updated collection of evidence-based medicine databases to inform healthcare decision-making. Cochrane provides additional resources such as other systematic reviews, abstracts, technology assessments, economic evaluations, and individual clinical trials.

From the main page, enter the search query to the search box and review results. Review of results is required to locate meta-analyses.

EMBASE

EMBASE is an abstract and indexing (A&I) biomedical and pharmacological database. It contains over 19 million indexed records from over 7,000 journals (including international titles), covering 1947 to the present. Follow directions for searching as noted.

EMBASE offers a search option for meta-analyses. From the home page, select Advanced Search. Scroll down and select More Limits. Under Evidence Based Medicine, select Meta Analysis.

EMBASE Advanced Search option page showing meta analysis filter

PubMed

PubMed is a freely accessible online database of biomedical journal citations and abstracts created by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). Approximately 5,200 journals published in the United States and more than 80 other countries are indexed in PubMed. Follow directions for searching as noted.

PubMed offers a search filter for location of meta-analyses. Search using the keywords, title or the name of the author/research study.

From the PubMed home page, select the Advanced Search option. Scroll down to the “Limit by Topics, Languages, and Journal Groups” section. In the Type of Article box, check Meta-Analysis.

PubMed Advanced Search option page showing meta-analyses filter

 

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Last updated: April 27, 2009