Short abstract

metaHelper is an R package and web application that simplifies statistical transformations in meta-analysis, making effect size conversions and related calculations more accessible. This presentation covers its features, practical applications, and evaluation in a randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Long abstract

metaHelper is an R package and web application designed to simplify statistical transformations in meta-analysis. It provides user-friendly tools for converting between common effect sizes, calculating standard errors, and handling transformations required for meta-analytic workflows. The web application offers an intuitive interface, making these methods accessible to researchers without advanced programming skills, while the R package allows direct integration into analysis pipelines.

metaHelper supports key effect size measures, including odds ratios, standardized mean differences, and correlation coefficients, ensuring compatibility with various meta-analytic approaches. The tool addresses common challenges in meta-analysis by reducing errors and streamlining calculations.

To assess its usability and impact, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluated metaHelper’s effectiveness in improving accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional methods. The metaHelper group had a higher probability of providing correct answers (85 percent) compared to the control group (31 percent). Additionally, the metaHelper group completed an average of 133 seconds per task faster (95% CrI: 83 to 180).

We will showcase the core features of metaHelper, demonstrate its practical applications, and discuss insights from its evaluation. By providing an accessible solution for statistical transformations, metaHelper aims to support researchers in conducting more reliable and efficient meta-analyses.