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Addressing Outcome Reporting Bias in Meta-Analysis: A Selection Model Perspective
Alessandra Gaia Saracini1, Leonhard Held2
1Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Department of Mathematics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Statistics in Medicine
|December 15, 2025
Summary
Outcome Reporting Bias (ORB) threatens meta-analysis validity by distorting results. This study investigates ORB adjustment techniques using selection models to improve treatment effect estimation in clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Biostatistics
- Clinical Trial Methodology
- Meta-Analysis Research
Background:
- Outcome Reporting Bias (ORB) significantly compromises the accuracy of meta-analytic findings.
- Selective reporting of outcomes based on statistical significance can lead to biased treatment effect estimates.
- Existing methods for adjusting ORB in meta-analysis are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and extend methods for adjusting Outcome Reporting Bias in meta-analysis.
- To analyze the impact of ORB on treatment effect estimates, particularly in the presence of heterogeneity.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of ORB adjustment techniques using selection models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a selection model framework to develop ORB adjustment techniques.
- Applied the methodology to real-world clinical trial data exhibiting ORB.
- Conducted a simulation study to assess treatment effect estimation and heterogeneity quantification under ORB.
Main Results:
- The study provides insights into the effects of ORB in meta-analysis with heterogeneity.
- The developed ORB adjustment techniques were evaluated for their effectiveness.
- Real clinical data and simulation results demonstrate the application and performance of the methods.
Conclusions:
- The selection model approach offers a robust framework for addressing ORB in meta-analysis.
- The investigated techniques can improve the reliability of treatment effect estimates.
- Further research and application of these methods are crucial for valid meta-analytic findings.
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