Synopsis

Systematic reviews (SR) and Meta-analysis (MA) provide high-level evidence by means of objective evaluation of all available primary studies. This evidence can influence clinical decision-making, healthcare policy-making, and research practice. In imaging, studies involving MRI and other imaging modalities are performed using imaging protocols that are not standardized across studies. Hence, methodological rigor and complete reporting are crucial to ensure that SR & MA of imaging studies are based on the highest possible quality. This lecture will outline a step-by-step approach to performing SR and MA from problem formulation and data acquisition to quality appraisal, of studies, statistical analysis and interpretation of evidence.