Evidence Synthesis
Meta-analyses statistically combine results from multiple studies to produce pooled estimates with uncertainty quantification.
Meta-analyses statistically combine results from multiple studies to produce pooled estimates with uncertainty quantification.
When to select this type
Choose Meta-analysis when pooling effect estimates from multiple studies using predefined statistical methods.
Typical audience
Clinicians, epidemiologists, guideline developers, and health economists.
Recommended use cases
Purpose
Increase statistical power and precision through quantitative synthesis of compatible studies.
Scope
Quantitative evidence synthesis, often paired with systematic review methodology.
Typical structure
Required sections
Recommended sections
Figures
Forest plots, funnel plots, and sensitivity figures (2–6).
Tables
Study characteristics and summary statistics (3–8).
References
40–200 references.
Supplementary material
Analysis code, extracted dataset, additional forest plots.
Required metadata
Required declarations
Funding requirements
Declare funding sources and analytical support.
Conflict of interest
Disclose conflicts related to interventions or outcomes analyzed.
Ethics requirements
Not required for published data synthesis.
Consent requirements
Not applicable.
Data availability
Share analysis scripts, extracted data, and forest plot source data.
AI disclosure
Disclose AI use in data extraction or statistical coding.
Copyright
Authors retain copyright.
Licensing
Open license recommended for data and code sharing.
Export formats supported
Ensure systematic reviews are reported with enough detail to evaluate methodology and reproduce searches.
Standardize reporting when pooling observational epidemiological studies.
Typical journal expectations
Forest plots, heterogeneity metrics, sensitivity analyses, and PRISMA compliance when combined with systematic review.
Typical peer review process
Statistical and methodological peer review with emphasis on model assumptions.
Journal compatibility notes
Evidence synthesis and clinical journals with quantitative focus.
Submission readiness checklist
Select Meta-analysis when your manuscript matches the scope, structure, and reporting expectations described on this page. If your work fits a different scholarly format, review similar publication types before submitting.
Contact the editorial team before payment if you need to change publication type. After editorial screening begins, type changes require editorial approval and may restart parts of the review process.
Reporting guidelines listed as recommended should be followed when applicable to your study design. Editorial reviewers assess completeness against the expectations for your selected publication type.
Platform standards for ethical research publication.
Transparent, ethical, and accountable AI use across research and publishing.
Transparency, independence, and responsible disclosure across research and publishing.