Abstract: This workshop will address strategies for avoiding publication bias and related biases through the prospective identification of studies. Investigators conducting ongoing trials may, prior to knowing the results of those studies, agree to combine their findings when the trials are complete. This process, known as prospective meta-analysis, addresses the issue that prospective trial registration alone does not guarantee access to the data needed for a systematic review.
In this workshop, we will present guidelines for the conduct of prospective meta-analysis, including a discussion of practical issues such as strategies for getting cooperation from a diverse group of investigators and preparation of publications. We will discuss sample size, statistical power and features of prospective meta-analysis that permit certain questions to be addressed in a uniquely unbiased manner. Finally, we raise issues related to the efficient design of prospective "meta-experiments".