What is a graphical representation that showcases studies in a systematic review?

A forest plot is a graphical representation commonly used in systematic reviews and meta-analyses to summarize the results of multiple studies. It visually displays the point estimates (such as odds ratios or mean differences) of individual studies on a scale, along with their confidence intervals. The overall summary effect estimate is usually depicted as a diamond or a line, providing a clear visual synthesis of the data from various research findings.

The forest plot is particularly valuable because it not only shows the estimates from each study but also allows for the visual comparison of the effect sizes and the precision of those estimates. This helps researchers and practitioners quickly identify what the collective evidence suggests about the intervention or exposure being studied, making it an essential tool in evidence-based practice.

In contrast, other graphical representations like bar charts, scatter plots, and pie charts serve different purposes and may not effectively capture the complexity and nuances of systematic review data in the way a forest plot does.