A sensitivity analysis for publication bias in systematic reviews
- 1 August 2001
- journal article
- review article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Statistical Methods in Medical Research
- Vol. 10 (4) , 251-265
- https://doi.org/10.1177/096228020101000402
Abstract
There is no simple method of correcting for publication bias in systematic reviews. We suggest a sensitivity analysis in which different patterns of selection bias can be tested against the fit to the funnel plot. Publication bias leads to lower values, and greater uncertainty, in treatment effect estimates. Two examples are discussed. An appendix lists the S-plus code needed for carrying out the analysis.Keywords
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