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Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course offers a thorough grounding in essential methodologies, making it invaluable for those pursuing careers in clinical research and evidence-based practice.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What you will learn in Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Course

  • Understand the steps involved in conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.
  • Formulate answerable research questions using the PICO (Participants, Interventions, Comparisons, Outcomes) framework.
  • Develop strategies for comprehensive literature searches to identify relevant studies.
  • Extract and manage data from clinical trial reports effectively

  • Critically assess the risk of bias in clinical trials to ensure the validity of findings.
  • Perform and interpret meta-analyses to synthesize data across studies.
  • Apply knowledge through practical assignments and peer reviews to reinforce learning.

Program Overview

Introduction

⏱️ 1 Hours

  • Gain an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including their significance in clinical research.

  • Identify the key producers and users of systematic reviews.

Framing the Question

⏱️ 2 hours

  • Learn to develop focused research questions using the PICO framework.

  • Understand the scope and elements essential for refining research questions.

  • Explore analytic frameworks to structure research inquiries.

Searching Principles and Bias Assessment

⏱️ 2 hours

  • Discover strategies for conducting comprehensive literature searches.

  • Identify key sources and develop effective search strategies.

  • Learn methods to assess the risk of bias in clinical trials critically.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

⏱️ 3 hours

  • Master techniques for extracting relevant data from clinical studies.

  • Understand methods for qualitative and quantitative data synthesis.

  • Explore tools and software commonly used in data extraction and synthesis.

Meta-Analysis Techniques

⏱️ 3 hours

  • Learn statistical methods for combining data from multiple studies.

  • Interpret forest plots and other graphical representations of meta-analysis results.

  • Understand heterogeneity and its implications in meta-analysis.

Reporting and Presenting Findings

⏱️ 2 hours

  • Develop skills for writing systematic review reports adhering to PRISMA guidelines.

  • Learn best practices for presenting findings to various stakeholders.

  • Understand the ethical considerations in reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

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Job Outlook

  • Proficiency in systematic review and meta-analysis is highly valued in clinical research, evidence-based medicine, and public health sectors.
  • Skills acquired from this course are applicable in roles such as Clinical Research Associate, Evidence Synthesis Specialist, and Health Policy Analyst.
  • The increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice across healthcare disciplines enhances the demand for professionals adept in these methodologies.
  • Organizations like research institutions, governmental agencies, and non-profits seek experts to conduct systematic reviews to inform policy and practice.
  • The course lays a foundation for advanced studies and specialization in epidemiology and biostatistics.
9.8Expert Score
Highly Recommended
The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course offers a thorough grounding in essential methodologies, making it invaluable for those pursuing careers in clinical research and evidence-based practice.​
Value
9.2
Price
9.4
Skills
9.7
Information
9.5
PROS
  • Comprehensive coverage of systematic review and meta-analysis processes.​
  • Led by experienced instructors from Johns Hopkins University, renowned for their expertise in clinical research.​
  • Includes practical assignments and peer reviews to reinforce learning and application.​
  • Flexible, self-paced format suitable for professionals and students alike.​
  • Provides a shareable certificate upon completion, enhancing professional credentials.​
CONS
  • Some statistical concepts may be challenging for learners without a background in biostatistics; supplementary study might be necessary.​
  • Requires a commitment of approximately 13 hours, demanding consistent engagement to complete.​
  • Limited focus on software tools for meta-analysis; learners may need to seek additional resources for in-depth software training.​

Specification: Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

FAQs

  • The PICO framework stands for Participants, Interventions, Comparisons, and Outcomes.
  • It is a structured approach to developing focused research questions.
  • In this course, you’ll learn to apply the PICO framework to formulate answerable questions for systematic reviews.
  • This method ensures clarity and precision in defining research inquiries.
  • Mastery of PICO is essential for conducting rigorous and relevant systematic reviews.
  • The course covers techniques to critically assess the risk of bias in clinical trials.
  • You’ll learn to evaluate study designs, conduct risk assessments, and interpret findings.
  • Understanding bias is crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of systematic reviews.
  • The course emphasizes the importance of transparency and methodological rigor.
  • Skills gained are applicable in various research and clinical settings.
  • The course introduces statistical methods for combining data from multiple studies.
  • You’ll learn to interpret forest plots and assess heterogeneity in meta-analyses.
  • The course provides practical examples and exercises to reinforce learning.
  • Understanding these methods is vital for synthesizing evidence across studies.
  • The skills are applicable in various research disciplines and settings.
  • The course teaches how to write systematic review reports adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
  • You’ll learn best practices for presenting findings to various stakeholders.
  • The course emphasizes ethical considerations in reporting research results.
  • Skills gained are essential for disseminating research findings effectively.
  • The training prepares learners for roles in clinical research and evidence-based practice.
  • Completing the course can lead to roles such as Clinical Research Associate, Evidence Synthesis Specialist, and Health Policy Analyst.
  • The skills acquired are applicable in clinical research, public health, and policy development.
  • Organizations like research institutions, governmental agencies, and non-profits seek experts in systematic reviews.
  • The course lays a foundation for advanced studies in epidemiology and biostatistics.
  • Proficiency in systematic review and meta-analysis is highly valued in evidence-based practice.
Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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