What is the difference between a systematic review and a meta-analysis?

What is the difference between a systematic review and a meta-analysis?

A systematic review is a comprehensive survey of existing literature on a specific topic, while a meta-analysis statistically combines results from multiple studies.

Can you explain the process of conducting a systematic review?

Sure! It involves defining a research question, conducting a literature search, selecting studies, extracting data, and synthesizing findings.

Is a meta-analysis always part of a systematic review?

Not necessarily. A systematic review can exist without a meta-analysis, but a meta-analysis is often included to quantitatively summarize data.

What are the benefits of conducting a meta-analysis?

Meta-analyses can increase statistical power, provide more precise estimates of effects, and help identify patterns across studies.

Are there any limitations to systematic reviews and meta-analyses?

Yes, they can be limited by publication bias, the quality of included studies, and the heterogeneity of study designs.