A novel visualization approach for network meta-analysis: The plate plot and the nmaplateplot R package

Network meta-analysis (NMA) provides a powerful framework for synthesizing evidence across multiple interventions, accommodating both direct and indirect comparisons. However, effectively visualizing the complex, multidimensional results, such as effect magnitudes, uncertainty, p-values, and treatment rankings, remains a significant challenge. Outputs such as relative treatment effects, uncertainty, statistical significance, and treatment rankings are often reported separately, making it difficult for researchers and stakeholders to synthesize findings efficiently. We introduce plate plot, an innovative approach for visualizing key outcomes from NMA in a single, compact format. It enables simultaneous display of point estimates, confidence or credible intervals, significance levels, and surface under the cumulative ranking curve values, thereby facilitating clearer interpretation and communication of NMA findings. Using an example dataset, we demonstrate how the plate plot displays multiple relevant metrics to compare the efficacy and acceptability of various antidepressant interventions in a single, intuitive plot. The plate plot, generated effortlessly via the open-source nmaplateplot R package, enables users to generate customizable, publication-ready graphics with minimal programming. This tool enhances the ability to holistically evaluate and interpret complex comparative effectiveness data, supporting better-informed decision-making in research and clinical practice.