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Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM)

Evidence-based medicine is the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients.

Sackett et al., 1996, p. 71

Meta-analysis represents a cornerstone methodology in evidence-based medicine. It is a sophisticated statistical approach that synthesizes findings from multiple independent studies to derive a quantitative summary of the collective evidence. The methodological framework encompasses: (1) systematic identification and retrieval of relevant studies; (2) rigorous quality assessment; (3) quantitative synthesis of data; (4) evidence-based interpretation of findings; and (5) comprehensive reporting following established guidelines.

Module 1: Statistical Methods for Effect Measure Calculation and Conversion

Data extraction and transformation represent critical methodological steps in meta-analysis. The included primary studies may report outcomes using diverse effect measures or data formats, which may not align with the requirements of standard meta-analysis software. This necessitates the implementation of appropriate statistical methods to standardize the data for subsequent meta-analytic synthesis.

Statistical Methods for Continuous Outcomes

  • Derivation of standard deviation from alternative statistical parameters
  • Calculation of mean differences and standardized mean differences
  • Conversion between various correlation coefficients (Pearson, Spearman, Kendall)

Statistical Methods for Binary and Time-to-Event Outcomes

  • Estimation of single-arm proportions with confidence intervals
  • Calculation of odds ratios, risk ratios, and risk differences
  • Computation of diagnostic accuracy measures
  • Conversion between different effect measures (OR, RR, HR)
  • Derivation of hazard ratios from Kaplan-Meier curves or survival data

Module 2: Evidence-Based Medicine Resources and Methodological Standards

Systematic Review and Guideline Registration Platforms

  • International registries for systematic reviews and meta-analyses
  • Platforms for clinical practice guideline registration and development

Evidence-Based Medicine Databases

  • Major biomedical literature databases
  • Specialized clinical practice guideline repositories

Methodological Quality Assessment Tools and Reporting Guidelines

  • Validated instruments for assessing methodological quality across study designs
  • Established reporting guidelines for various research methodologies