Network meta-analysis: mixed and indirect treatment comparisons. A new method to the service of clinical epidemiology and public health

Abstract

This review describes essential concepts of network meta-analysis and indirect comparisons and their application to clinical science. There are an increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses providing direct comparisons between different interventions, although this is often not feasible when there is a lack of evidence related to all possible comparisons. Thus, important statistical tools that help make indirect comparisons based on previously existing comparisons have been developed. Network meta-analyses are an innovative tool that could assist doctors, researchers, and governmental organizations when making clinical and public health decisions.