Synthesis Methods for Meta-Analysis: A Scoping Review
Article
Noon, RI, Hospital, MM, Hu, N. (2026). Synthesis Methods for Meta-Analysis: A Scoping Review
. Open Public Health Journal, 19 10.2174/0118749445457182260504063819
Noon, RI, Hospital, MM, Hu, N. (2026). Synthesis Methods for Meta-Analysis: A Scoping Review
. Open Public Health Journal, 19 10.2174/0118749445457182260504063819
Background: Meta-analysis is a statistical technique to combine and summarize prior quantitative studies to assess the impact of a specific subject or intervention. Synthesis analysis, which is derived from meta-analysis, extends meta-analysis by estimating the multivariable relationship between predictors and outcomes. Objective: This study aims to conduct a comprehensive scoping review to identify and map the extent of available research on methodological and applied synthesis analysis across different statistical responses. Methods: Eligible studies, such as peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2000 and 2025 that presented methodological innovations and applied examples relevant to a range of statistical outcomes, were included. Systematic searches were conducted in major databases, e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Studies lacking sufficient methodological detail or focusing primarily on non-statistical model analysis were excluded. Results: A total of 248 studies were identified. Among these, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Discussion: Synthesis analysis has advanced from simple univariable methods to advanced multivariable frameworks capable of handling incomplete, heterogeneous, and summary-only data. While these approaches improved estimation accuracy and enhanced clinical risk models, their application remains limited to mostly continuous and binary outcomes. A major gap is the absence of synthesis methods for time-to-event data, which is critical for survival analysis and clinical decision-making. Conclusion: Synthesis analysis is a promising tool for integrating incomplete data, but current methods lack support for survival and complex outcomes. Future research should prioritize these extensions for broader clinical and public health impact.
