Abstract: Cochrane review authors frequently face data that do not apparently fit into the usual dichotomous or continuous data meta-analyses that can be performed by RevMan. Typical examples are: (i) study designs, such as cross-over trials or cluster-randomised trials; (ii) types of outcome data, such as time-to-event data, ordered categorical data or rates.
In this workshop we will review such "non-standard" studies and data, and consider the possibilities for analysing individual studies and combining results in meta-analysis. RevMan offers a "generic inverse variance" outcome type that can, in principle, be used to perform meta-analyses in all of these "non-standard" situations.