New methods can extend the use of minimal important difference units in meta-analyses of continuous outcome measures

OBJECTIVE: For continuous outcomes measured using instruments with an established minimally important difference (MID), pooled estimates can be usefully reported in MID units. Approaches suggested thus far omit studies that used instruments without an established MID. We describe an approach that addresses this limitation. STUDY DESIGN: Using the ratio of MID to standard deviation in the trials with an established MID, we imputed the MID for …