Methods Group:  Comparing Multiple Interventions Methods Group

Standard meta-analysis methods focus on comparisons of two interventions. Rarely are there only two interventions under consideration in clinical practice. Extensions of meta-analysis to address three or more treatments have been the subject of much methodological research in recent years and are increasingly being applied. At simplest, indirect comparisons can be performed in ways that respect the randomization within each clinical trial. More complex are so-called network meta-analyses, which allow the simultaneous analysis of clinical trials involving multiple treatments.

This workshop will introduce the concepts and methods of indirect comparison and network meta-analysis in the context of a Cochrane systematic review, following the new Handbook Chapter drafted by the Comparing Multiple Interventions Methods Group; to demonstrate a web application, CINeMA (Confidence In Network Meta-Analysis), that simplifies the evaluation of confidence in the findings from network meta-analysis via semi-automation.

Target audience:  This workshop is aimed at methodologists, epidemiologists, statisticians and other quantitatively-minded researchers who want to understand state-of-the-art methodology for network meta-analysis.

Number of participants: 10- 40

Type of session: Training workshop involving interactive presentations, discussions and small group exercises.

Objectives:  The workshop will provide insights into network meta-analysis models that can be used to derive estimates for the relative effects of all treatments of interest. We will guide the participants through using CINeMA in automating many steps of evaluating confidence in the findings.   

By the end of this workshop participants will have an understanding of the role and potential of indirect comparisons and network meta- analysis in the evaluation of healthcare interventions and the principles, steps and statistical methods involved.

Please note, the charge for this workshop will be £48 (inc. VAT)