METAPOW: Stata module for simulation based sample size calculations for designing new clinical trials and diagnostic test accuracy studies to update an existing meta-analysis

Michael J. Crowther () and Sally R. Hinchliffe ()
Additional contact information
Michael J. Crowther: Karolinska Institutet
Sally R. Hinchliffe: University of Leicester

Statistical Software Components from Boston College Department of Economics

Abstract: The metapow package contains a suite of programs which enable the user to estimate the probability the conclusions of a meta-analysis will change with the inclusion of a new study(ies). Using the -metasim- program, a simulation approach to estimating the effects in future studies is taken. The method assumes that the effect sizes of future studies are consistent with those observed previously, as represented by the current meta-analysis. Both the contexts of two-arm randomised controlled trials and studies of diagnostic test accuracy are considered for a variety of outcome measures. Calculations are possible under both fixed and random effect assumptions and several approaches to inference including statistical significance and limits of clinical significance are possible. Calculations for specific sample sizes can be conducted (using -metapow-), and plots, akin to traditional power curves, indicating the probability a new study(ies) will change inferences for a range of sample sizes can be produced (using -metapowplot-). We hope the package will be useful to i) trialists who want to assess the impact potential new trials will have on the overall evidence base; and ii) meta-analysts who want to assess the robustness of the current meta-analysis to the inclusion of future data.

Language: Stata
Requires: Stata version 11.2
Keywords: meta-analysis; simulation; sample size; evidence based medicine (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012-07-22, Revised 2012-07-31
Note: This module should be installed from within Stata by typing "ssc install metapow". The module is made available under terms of the GPL v3 (https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.txt). Windows users should not attempt to download these files with a web browser.
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http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/m/metapow.ado program code (text/plain)
http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/m/metapow_eg1.ado program code (text/plain)
http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/m/metapow_ploteg1.ado program code (text/plain)
http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/m/metapow.sthlp help file (text/plain)
http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/m/metapowplot.ado program code (text/plain)
http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/m/metapowplot.sthlp help file (text/plain)
http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/m/metasim.ado program code (text/plain)
http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/m/metasim.sthlp help file (text/plain)
http://fmwww.bc.edu/repec/bocode/m/metapow_eg1.dta sample data file (application/x-stata)

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