Exploring Heterogeneity in Meta‐Analysis Using Trial‐Level Characteristics: A Tutorial
Abstract
This tutorial describes how to explore across-trial heterogeneity in meta-analysis using trial-level characteristics. It describes how to carry out a subgroup analysis for a trial-level characteristic with more than two categories and provides approaches for analysing continuous trial-level characteristics. The tutorial introduces meta-regression, outlines its intended applications, and explains how to interpret meta-regression results. Common pitfalls when undertaking trial-level subgroup analysis and meta-regression are also discussed. A complementary micro-learning module is provided to support additional learning of these concepts.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Meta-analysis and systematic reviews
Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
Sensory Analysis and Statistical Methods
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cochrane Evidence Synthesis and Methods
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- e70099–e70099
- Publication date
- 3 August 2026
- Language
- EN