Evaluating the proper use of weighted mean difference in evidence synthesis: a meta-epidemiology study

Key Points

• Inconsistencies in weighted mean difference use highlight significant gaps in methodical transparency and reporting.
• Key metrics reveal ongoing efforts to enhance evidence synthesis literacy are crucial for rigorous systematic reviews.
• Meta-epidemiological analysis examines current practices surrounding evidence synthesis with a focus on weighted mean differences.
• Improving understanding of methodologies may enable more accurate and transparent reporting in systematic reviews.