An example analysis of network meta-analysis using R software for medical and health science research contexts

Abstract

Research utilizing network meta-analysis (NMA) is widely published internationally. In the Thai context, some Thai researchers have published traditional meta-analysis works, referring to univariate meta-analysis. However, few researchers have published their works using NMA, particularly in the field of medical and health science. Additionally, few Thai researchers (if any) utilize the R software to conduct NMA for their research and publications. This indicates a notable practice gap. Therefore, the objective of this study is to demonstrate how to conduct NMA using the R software. R is freely available, globally accepted, and fully capable of analyzing NMA. Methodologically, secondary data is employed to illustrate our analysis. The dataset utilized is Dogliotti2014, which is freely available in R. NMA serves as the statistical method to analyze the data. In terms of analysis, the R procedures and codes are provided to demonstrate how to conduct NMA. Regarding results, different treatments (medications) yield varying outcomes. This leads to the conclusion that Antithrombotic drugs are the most effective in preventing strokes and should be considered for patients at risk of thromboembolism. In conclusion, the R software is fully capable of conducting comprehensive NMA. It is recommended that Thai medical and health science researchers utilize the R software for conducting NMA in their research and publications at both national and international levels.