Network meta-analysis: application and practice using R software

The objective of this study is to describe the general approaches to network meta-analysis that are available for quantitative data synthesis using R software. We conducted a network meta-analysis using two approaches: Bayesian and frequentist methods. The corresponding R packages were "gemtc" for the Bayesian approach and "netmeta" for the frequentist approach. In estimating a network meta-analysis model using a Bayesian framework, the "rjags" package is a common tool. "rjags" implements Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation with a graphical output. The estimated overall effect sizes, test for heterogeneity, moderator effects, and publication bias were reported using R software. The authors focus on two…