Abstract
Abstract Meta‐analyses involving the synthesis of evidence from cluster randomization trials are being increasingly reported. These analyses raise challenging methodologic issues beyond those raised by meta‐analyses which include only individually randomized trials. In this paper we review and comment on a selected number of these issues, including problems of study heterogeneity, difficulties in estimating design effects from individual trials and the choice of statistical methods. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keywords
Meta-analysisRandomizationRandomized controlled trialCluster (spacecraft)Computer scienceResearch designEconometricsStatisticsMedicineMathematicsSurgery
Affiliated Institutions
Related Publications
Modelling multiple sources of dissemination bias in meta‐analysis
Abstract Asymmetry in the funnel plot for a meta‐analysis suggests the presence of dissemination bias. This may be caused by publication bias through the decisions of journal ed...
The Magic of Randomization versus the Myth of Real-World Evidence
Nonrandomized observational analyses have been promoted as alternatives to randomized clinical trials. However, randomization ensures balance between groups, whereas nonrandomiz...
Mendelian randomization: Using genes as instruments for making causal inferences in epidemiology
Abstract Observational epidemiological studies suffer from many potential biases, from confounding and from reverse causation, and this limits their ability to robustly identify...
Explaining heterogeneity in meta-analysis: a comparison of methods
Exploring the possible reasons for heterogeneity between studies is an important aspect of conducting a meta-analysis. This paper compares a number of methods which can be used ...
The Revised CONSORT Statement for Reporting Randomized Trials: Explanation and Elaboration
Overwhelming evidence now indicates that the quality of reporting of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) is less than optimal. Recent methodologic analyses indicate that inadeq...
Publication Info
- Year
- 2002
- Type
- article
- Volume
- 21
- Issue
- 19
- Pages
- 2971-2980
- Citations
- 729
- Access
- Closed
External Links
Social Impact
Altmetric
PlumX Metrics
Social media, news, blog, policy document mentions
Citation Metrics
729
OpenAlex
Cite This
Allan Donner,
Neil Klar
(2002).
Issues in the meta‐analysis of cluster randomized trials.
Statistics in Medicine
, 21
(19)
, 2971-2980.
https://doi.org/10.1002/sim.1301
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1002/sim.1301