An Introduction to Multivariate Meta-analysis
presented by
Malcolm Price, Richard Riley, Ian White, Dan Jackson and Jamie Kirkham
on 7 May 2015
Venue:
/ The Royal Statistical Society, 12 Errol Street, London, EC1Y 8LX
Nearest Tube stations: Barbican, Liverpool Street, Moorgate, Old Street
Course Summary: / The use of meta-analysis to synthesise effect estimates from multiple studies is now well established in evidence based medicine. Many studies have more than one outcome of interest, such as disease-free survival and overall survival, and researchers currently meta-analyse each outcome separately. However, such multiple outcomes are often related to each other, i.e. they are correlated. For example, a patient’s time to recurrence of disease is generally associated with their time of death. By meta-analysing each outcome independently, researchers ignore this correlation and thus lose potentially valuable information. However, a multivariate meta-analysis can analyse correlated outcomes together and utilise their correlated information to get the most out of the available data. The course provides a firm introduction to multivariate meta-analysis methods and gives a full demonstration of its implementation in STATA.
Learning Outcome:
/ To develop an understanding of the rational, methods, advantages and limitations of multivariate meta-analysis.
Topics
Covered:
/ The course begins by revising the well-known methods for univariate meta-analysis. Next it introduces the multivariate meta-analysis model for both fixed and random effects. This includes the rational, mathematical form, and a description of its advantages and disadvantages as compared to the univariate approach. It explains how to calculate within-study and between-study correlations, and show why they lead to 'borrowing of strength' across outcomes. It details estimation methods to fit the multivariate model, and provide a detailed demonstration of the MVMETA package in STATA. Next the presenters discuss some of latest developments in the field, including a multivariate equivalent of the I-squared statistic, and outcome reporting bias. Finally, the course gives a more in depth description of one particular application of multivariate meta-analysis – the synthesis of summary evidence from diagnostic test studies.
Target Audience:
/ Statisticians interested in learning about evidence synthesis, especially in a clinical/epidemiological setting.
Knowledge Assumed:
/ A reasonable grounding in statistics is required. Some knowledge of meta-analysis and randomised controlled trials would be of help, but is not essential.
Delegate comments:
/ “Excellent course - very interesting and very experienced and knowledgeable presenters.”
“Well organised and well-structured course”
“Very well prepared course at about the right level. Will allow me to access the literature now!”
Course
Format:
/ Registration begins at 09.30 and the course runs from 10.00 until 16.00. The course consists of lectures including a class demonstration of the MVMETA package in STATA.
/ Registration before
26 March 2015 / Registration on/after
26 March 2015
Fees
(including VAT)
/ RSS Fellow paying standard subscription
RSS CStat: also MIS, FIS & GradStat
RSS Fellow paying concessionary subscription *
RSS Student or eStudent member
Non Member / £320
£287
£264
£362
£395 / £354
£318
£294
£402
£438
Contact:
/ Sarah Barker, Royal Statistical Society, 12 Errol Street, London EC1Y 8LX.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7614 3915 Email: Fax: +44 (0)20 7614 3905

* applies to Fellows who are students, recent graduates or resident in an economically developing area

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INTRODUCTION TO MULTIVARIATE META-ANALYSIS – 7 MAY 2015
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26 March 2015
RSS Fellow paying standard subscription
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Non Member / q  £320
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q  £265
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q  £395 / q  £354
q  £318
q  £294
q  £402
q  £438
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Please return completed form to: / Sarah Barker, Royal Statistical Society, 12 Errol Street, London EC1Y 8LX, UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7614 3915 Email: Fax: +44 (0)20 7614 3905