This session explored the generic inverse variance meta-analysis method and extended the discussion beyond standard dichotomous and continuous outcomes.
The presenter introduced additional outcome types, including ordinal, count, and time-to-event data, as well as non-standard data structures and study designs commonly encountered in systematic reviews. Specifically, the session examined the challenges and considerations involved in synthesizing evidence from multi-arm studies, cluster-randomised trials, cross-over trials, and non-randomised studies, providing insights into how these can be included in a meta-analysis.
This webinar was primarily aimed at Cochrane authors and trainers from Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs), although it was open to everyone. It was delivered in October 2025 and below you will find the videos from the webinar, together with the accompanying slides to download [PDF].
Presenter Bio
Dr. Areti-Angeliki Veroniki is an Associate Professor at the Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. She is also co-chair of the Methods Executive and co-convenor of the Statistical Methods Group in Cochrane.
