How are results typically expressed in a meta-analysis?

In a meta-analysis, results are typically expressed as a qualitative value that summarizes the findings of all included studies. This approach allows researchers to combine data from multiple studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the evidence surrounding a particular topic. By synthesizing the results, meta-analyses can yield an overall effect size, confidence intervals, and other statistical measures that reflect the collective results of the studies reviewed. This synthesis is essential for drawing broader conclusions and making informed decisions in clinical practice or research.

Expressing results in a qualitative way ensures that the diverse findings from different studies are represented cohesively, allowing for greater insight into the overall trends and implications of the research. It empowers practitioners and researchers with a clearer picture of the evidence base, facilitating better decision-making.

Graphical representations, while useful for illustrating the results, are part of how the findings can be communicated, not an exclusive means of expressing the results themselves. Individual study results, although important for understanding context, do not provide the unified perspective that a qualitative summary offers. Similarly, presenting separate conclusions for each study would fail to capture the overall picture that a meta-analysis aims to achieve.