This session, part of the Statistical analysis in systematic reviews series, gave a short, non-technical, introduction to meta-analysis, which is the statistical method used for combining results across studies in a systematic review.
It explained what a meta-analysis is and why it is used, and examined how meta-analyses are presented in Cochrane reviews in the form of forest plots.
The session was for anyone involved in producing a Cochrane review who wants to learn more about the statistical components of a review. It was primarily aimed at Cochrane authors and trainers from Lower Middle Income Countries (LMICs). It was delivered in July 2025 and below you will find the videos from the webinar, together with the accompanying slides to download [PDF].
Presenter Bio
Dr Mark Simmonds is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of York, UK and a UK Co-convenor of the Cochrane Statistical Methods Group. Mark has over 20 years’ experience in research into meta-analysis methods and practice. His research has a particular focus on individual participant data reviews, living systematic reviews, and understanding heterogeneity.
