Appraisal of meta-analysis

Abstract

Aims and method: Prompted by a clinical question, we critically appraised a meta-analysis of neuroimaging in our evidence-based journal club. Results: The results of the meta-analysis suggested differences in ventricular size and sulcal width between controls and people with schizophrenia and mood disorders. However, we were unable to answer the question that prompted this exercise. Clinical implications: Although the evidence-based medicine approach facilitates appraisal of complex articles, some clinical questions are not yet answerable.