A comprehensive introduction to meta-analysis, decision analysis, and cost-effectiveness analysis. These three closely related methods have become even more important for synthesizing research since the first edition and have gained legitimacy as tools for guiding health policy.

1. Introduction ; 2. Overview of the Methods ; 3. Planning the Study ; 4. Information Retrieval ; 5. Data Collection ; 6. Advanced Issues in Meta-Analysis ; 7. Statistical Methods in Meta-Analysis ; 8. Other Statistical Issues in Meta-Analysis ; 9. Complex Decision Problems ; 10. Estimating Probabilities ; 11. Utility Analysis ; 12. Advanced Cost Effectiveness Analysis ; 13. Utility and Cost-Utility Analysis ; 14. Exploring Heterogeneity ; 15. Sensitivity Analysis ; 16. Reporting Results ; 17. Limitations

"The first edition was very well received and this new work receives my heartiest endorsement....The writing is clear and accessible. Jargon minimal. The text is well-larded with examples....Each chapter has been updated and new material added. The new edition places many recent developments into context....All in all the book fills an important niche. It is suitable as a text and a reference. Difficult concepts are especially articulately presented. This new edition belongs on the shelf of every aspiring meta-analyst!" --The Epidemiology Monitor "This book is very well written, easy to understand and apply, with excellent relevant examples. It is the most comprehensive and accessible book in this field....4 STARS." --Doody's Rating "I have used the text as a primary source in several courses and seminars. Students at various levels of training regularly agrred that it was clearly written and provided numerous relevant examples of the necessary techniques. Often, methodological textbooks provide detailed formulae. In contrast, this text provides in its numerous examples the actual step-by-step calculations that are needed."--American Journal of Epidemiology

"The first edition was very well received and this new work receives my heartiest endorsement....The writing is clear and accessible. Jargon minimal. The text is well-larded with examples....Each chapter has been updated and new material added. The new edition places many recent developments into context....All in all the book fills an important niche. It is suitable as a text and a reference. Difficult concepts are especially articulately presented. This new edition belongs on the shelf of every aspiring meta-analyst!" --The Epidemiology Monitor "This book is very well written, easy to understand and apply, with excellent relevant examples. It is the most comprehensive and accessible book in this field....4 STARS." --Doody's Rating "I have used the text as a primary source in several courses and seminars. Students at various levels of training regularly agrred that it was clearly written and provided numerous relevant examples of the necessary techniques. Often, methodological textbooks provide detailed formulae. In contrast, this text provides in its numerous examples the actual step-by-step calculations that are needed."--American Journal of Epidemiology