The power of systematic review and meta-analysis in advancing oral medicine and radiology

Greetings from the Editorial Team. Dear IAOMR Members, It is my privilege to address all the members of the Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology (IAOMR) and share some insights on the importance of systematic review and meta-analysis in our field. In an era of evidence-based practice, these methodologies have emerged as indispensable tools for synthesizing existing research and providing valuable insights for clinical decision-making. The meta-analysis did not begin to appear regularly in the medical literature until the late 1970s but since then a plethora of meta-analyses have emerged and the growth is exponential over time.[1] The significance of systematic review and meta-analysis lies in their ability to overcome the limitations of individual studies, such as sample size, bias, and conflicting findings. By collating data from various sources, these methods increase statistical power, reduce uncertainty, and provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence. Consequently, they have become crucial in guiding evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making. Identifying Knowledge Gaps and Research Priorities: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses also play a pivotal role in identifying knowledge gaps within our field. Through the process of systematically reviewing existing literature, researchers can identify areas where evidence is lacking or conflicting. This identification of gaps not only highlights the need for further research but also assists in setting research priorities for the future. During the systematic review process, the quality of studies is evaluated, and a statistical meta-analysis of the study results is conducted based on their quality. Usually, to obtain more reliable results, a meta-analysis is mainly conducted on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which have a high level of evidence. Since 1999, various papers have presented guidelines for reporting meta-analyses of RCTs. Following the Quality of Reporting of Meta-Analyses (QUORUM) statement and the appearance of registers such as Cochrane Library’s Methodology Register, a large number of systematic literature reviews have been registered. In 2009, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was published, and it greatly helped standardize and improve the quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.[2] To solve those hindrances, Tawfik GM et al. have recommended a flow diagram [Figure 1], which illustrates detailed and step-by-step stages for systematic review or meta-analysis studies.[3]Figure 1: Detailed flow diagram guideline for systematic review and meta-analysis steps. Note: Star icon refers to “2—reviewers screen independently” Courtesy: Tawfik GM, Dila KAS, Mohamed MYF, Tam DNH, Kien ND, Ahmed AM, et al. A step-by-step guide for conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis with simulation data. Trop Med Health 2019;47:46-54Validating and Challenging Existing Paradigms: The cumulative nature of systematic reviews and meta-analyses allows for validating or challenging existing paradigms. By synthesizing evidence from multiple studies, these methodologies can confirm or refute prevailing theories and practices. In cases where discrepancies or conflicting evidence arise, they provide an opportunity for critical evaluation, reanalysis, and reconsideration of established norms. This iterative process promotes scientific progress and drives the evolution of our field. CONCLUSION In conclusion, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have revolutionized the way we approach research and clinical decision-making in oral medicine and radiology. They have become essential tools for synthesizing evidence, guiding practice, identifying knowledge gaps, and challenging existing paradigms. As researchers and clinicians, it is our responsibility to embrace these methodologies and contribute to their advancement. By doing so, we can collectively strengthen the foundation of our field, promote evidence-based practice, and improve patient outcomes. I wish you all fruitful endeavors in your research pursuits, and I look forward to publishing the exciting contributions that arise from your engagement with systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Jai Hind