This one-day course for practising biostatisticians and quantitative health researchers will provide guidance on meta-analysis methods beyond the basics. While conceptually simple, in practice many complexities arise when applying meta-analysis methods. For example, meta-analyses may include: trials that report non-parametric statistics; trials which have used a range of statistical methods to estimate the intervention effect; and non-standard trials. In this workshop we will address some of these complexities. Further, we will cover extensions to meta-analysis that provide opportunities to explore which factors predict variability in the magnitude and direction of intervention effects, and we will present graphical and statistical techniques for examining reporting biases.

Using a mix of presentations, practical exercises (using Stata) and discussion, the course will cover the following topics:

Outline

• Introduction to meta-analysis
• Meta-regression and subgroup analysis
• Dealing with issues arising in meta-analysis of continuous outcomes
• Investigation of reporting biases
• Meta-analysis of non-standard randomised trials

The course assumes familiarity with the basics of meta-analysis, although an introductory lecture will be provided.

The course is one of four workshops in a week-long program. More information about the courses can be downloaded here or by contacting Jo McKenzie.

What to bring

Please bring a laptop computer for practical exercises (or share with a colleague). Course materials, including slides, will be provided electronically at the workshop. Wi-Fi available.

Cost

The workshop is AUD $440 per participant. A light lunch, morning and afternoon tea is included.

Sponsored registrations

This workshop is hosted by the Centre for Research Excellence in Improving health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (ISAC), University of Western Australia. A limited number of sponsored registrations are available for participants from the NHMRC CRE ISAC - email Natalie Strobel (natalie.strobel@uwa.edu.au) with a short expression of interest outlining how attending this course will help you and address ISAC aims of improving the health and developmental outcomes of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children in Australia through improvements in health services.

About the facilitators

Jo McKenzie is a Senior Research Fellow (Biostatistician) at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University.

Natalie Strobel is a Research Fellow employed as the team leader on the evidence synthesis stream of the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Improving Health Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children (ISAC) at the University of Western Australia.

Max Bulsara is a Professor of Biostatistics at the Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame.