Meta-analysis: a quantitative approach of data pooling

ABSTRACT

Recently a systematic method of literature review known as meta-analysis, is being extensively used in medical research and replacing the old method of narrative literature review. This method, not only quantifies the literature review but also increases the statistical power by combining the study results and thus increases the sample size. This review covers the definition, purpose, statistical methods and presentation of meta-analysis. Furthermore, it also covers the reliability of meta-analysis and appropriateness for the combinability of the studies. In addition, the questions, whether meta-analysis can be called as a scientific research and whether policy could be formed on the basis of meta-analysis, is also discussed