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. 2016 Dec 13;5(1):212.
doi: 10.1186/s13643-016-0368-4.

Data extraction for complex meta-analysis (DECiMAL) guide

Hugo Pedder  1 , Grammati Sarri  2 , Edna Keeney  3 , Vanessa Nunes  4 , Sofia Dias  3
Affiliations

Data extraction for complex meta-analysis (DECiMAL) guide

Hugo Pedder et al. Syst Rev. .

Abstract

As more complex meta-analytical techniques such as network and multivariate meta-analyses become increasingly common, further pressures are placed on reviewers to extract data in a systematic and consistent manner. Failing to do this appropriately wastes time, resources and jeopardises accuracy. This guide (data extraction for complex meta-analysis (DECiMAL)) suggests a number of points to consider when collecting data, primarily aimed at systematic reviewers preparing data for meta-analysis. Network meta-analysis (NMA), multiple outcomes analysis and analysis combining different types of data are considered in a manner that can be useful across a range of data collection programmes. The guide has been shown to be both easy to learn and useful in a small pilot study.

Keywords: Analysis; Data; Extraction; Guide; Meta-analysis; Multivariate; Network; Review.

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