How to Interpret and Evaluate a Meta-Analysis in the Field of Speech-Language Pathology: A Tutorial for Clinicians

2022/02/24 by Cara Donohue, Giselle Carnaby, Kendrea L. (Focht) Garand · 1 voice · 1 citation
Health Professions · Medicine · Psychology · #Dysphagia Assessment and Management #Stuttering Research and Treatment #Voice and Speech Disorders

paper · doi:10.1044/2021_ajslp-21-00267

openalex publication_date 2022/02/24 · openalex created_date 2022/02/25 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/14

Abstract

PURPOSE: This tutorial will provide speech-language pathologists with practical considerations and pragmatic tools for interpreting and critically evaluating a meta-analysis. Meta-analysis, which is a statistical procedure that involves combining research data across multiple high-quality research studies, is often considered the highest level of research evidence. Although meta-analyses are commonly deployed in clinical research after completing a systematic review, few clinicians or clinician scientists within the field of speech-language pathology receive formal training to conduct, interpret, or assess meta-analyses to determine the effectiveness of a treatment or procedure for evidence-based practice. CONCLUSION: Clinicians within the field of speech-language pathology may use the foundational knowledge and practical guidelines outlined in this tutorial about meta-analyses to expand their knowledge of research methods and to shape their clinical practice.

Citations

• Synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) in systematic reviews: reporting guideline
• The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews

Cited by

• How a Power Differential Between Clinicians and Researchers Contributes to the Research-to-Practice Gap

Discussions

• “This tutorial will provide speech-language pathologists with practical considerations and pragmatic tools for interpreting and critically evaluating a meta-analysis.” FREE access for another 1.5 wee [bsky, 5 points, 0 comments]

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