Decision matrix for inconsistency |
Heterogeneity I2 > 40% (40%‐74%) |
Unexplained high heterogeneity with I2 > 75 % and very low P value |
Same direction of effect estimates in the studies |
May not downgrade 1 level if most of the studies have similar point estimates and overlapping CI AND all point estimates are pointing in the same direction. |
Downgrade 1 level |
Different direction of effect estimates in the studies |
Downgrade 1 level | Downgrade 2 levels |