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Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Tianjing Li, MD, MHS, PHD and Kay Dickersin, PhD

We will introduce methods to perform systematic reviews and meta-analysis of clinical trials. We will cover how to formulate an answerable research question, define inclusion and exclusion criteria, search for the evidence, extract data, assess the risk of bias in clinical trials, and perform a meta-analysis.

Upon successfully completing this course, participants will be able to:

- Describe the steps in conducting a systematic review

- Develop an answerable question using the “Participants Interventions Comparisons Outcomes” (PICO) framework

Upon successfully completing this course, participants will be able to:

- Describe the steps in conducting a systematic review

- Develop an answerable question using the “Participants Interventions Comparisons Outcomes” (PICO) framework

- Describe the process used to collect and extract data from reports of clinical trials

- Describe methods to critically assess the risk of bias of clinical trials

- Describe and interpret the results of meta-analyses

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

To get the ball rolling, we'll take a broad overview of what to expect in this course and then introduce you to the high-level concepts of systematic review and meta-analysis and take a look at who produces and uses systematic reviews.

Framing the Question

In this module, we will discuss how to frame a question, as well as scope, elements, and refining the question.

Searching Principles and Bias Assessment

In this module we will look at finding the evidence, as well as key sources, search strategy, and assessing the risk of bias.

Minimizing Metabias, Qualitative Synthesis, and Interpreting Results

In this module, we will cover minimizing metabias, selection bias, information bias, how to report transparently, qualitative synthesis, and interpreting results.

Planning the Meta-Analysis and Statistical Methods

This module will cover the planning of your meat-analysis and the statistical methods for meta-analysis.

Wrap Up and Final Peer Review Assignment

In this final module, we'll wrap up with a look back at the key concepts covered over the past few weeks. Afterwards, you will submit your final Peer Review Assignment and evaluate some of your classmates' submissions.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops strong foundation of conducting systematic reviews in clinical trials

Introduces standard methods used in industry

Instructors are recognized for their work on systematic reviews and meta-analysis

Introduces the PICO framework

Covers transparent and appropriate reporting of clinical trials

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Reviews summary

A valuable guide to systematic review and meta-analysis

Learners say this course provides an excellent introduction to systematic review and meta-analysis, covering all the key steps involved in the process. They particularly appreciate the clear explanations, examples, and hands-on assignments. The course is also praised for its emphasis on practical application, helping learners develop the skills they need to conduct high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses.Key features include lectures, readings, exams, quizzes, homework assignments, instructors, deadlines, and certificates. Overall, learners highly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning more about systematic review and meta-analysis.

Learners found the instructors to be engaging and knowledgeable, which made the learning experience more enjoyable.

"The instructors are very soft spoken. Overall one should approach this course who has zero knowledge regarding research"

"The faculties are very soft spoken. Overall one should approach this course who has zero knowledge regarding research"

"Amazing course! Instructors are eloquent, informative, and organized. I look forward to participating in more courses at Johns Hopkins University."

Learners appreciated the course's emphasis on practical application, which helped them develop the skills they need to conduct high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

"This course provided the foundation that I needed to start thinking about doing my systematic review."

"Really good course, really good assignments that help you better understand how to apply the knowledge and skills that are taught in the course."

"This course made me understand how to read, analyse and critique a systematic review in a more systematic ways.Thank you to the organizer.God bless you.Stay safe and humble."

Learners consistently praised the course's clear explanations and examples, which made the material easy to understand.

"The course is well prepared and designed. It is a good starting point for those who want to conduct systematic review and meta-analysis."

"The lectures were short, simple and easy to comprehend. Kudos to the professors for putting in their time and effort in making these videos."

"This course has been an excellent experience. I'm in the middle of writing my thesis - a systematic review- and this course has helped me a lot."

A few learners noted that some of the course content was outdated.

"However, the underlying principles for both the Cochrane Handbook and PubMed are the same, so this didn't detract too much from the course."

"The slides about PubMed aren't uptodate, the design of the website and some functionalities have changed which could be confusing for students. "

Some learners expressed a desire for more training on the software used in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

"informative course ,my note is a wish they show us much more aspects with less statistics discussion bc there is a software can do all of that ."

"It would be nice to have a bit more focus on the statistical techniques used for meta-analysis as there is a very heavy focus on the systematic review portion of the course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with these activities:

Review foundations of biostatistics.

Show steps

Refresh foundational knowledge of biostatistics will facilitate better understanding of course materials.

Browse courses on Biostatistics

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Review notes from previous courses in biostatistics.
Review textbooks or online resources on biostatistics.

Review the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

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Reviewing the authoritative Cochrane Handbook will provide a comprehensive understanding of systematic review methods.

View Introduction to Meta-Analysis on Amazon

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Read through the handbook, focusing on sections relevant to the course.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.

Practice critical evaluation skills.

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Refreshing critical evaluation skills will enhance the ability to assess the quality and validity of research.

Browse courses on Critical Evaluation

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Review the principles of critical evaluation.
Practice evaluating research articles using critical evaluation frameworks.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Practice clinical trial design exercises.

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Regular practice with clinical trial design exercises will strengthen understanding of concepts.

Browse courses on Clinical Trial Design

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Solve practice problems and exercises on clinical trial design.
Simulate clinical trials using statistical software.

Join study groups for systematic review methods.

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Participating in peer sessions will provide opportunities to discuss and reinforce learning.

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Find or form a study group with peers.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials and concepts.

Volunteer with organizations conducting clinical trials.

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Volunteering will provide practical experience and insights into the conduct of clinical trials.

Browse courses on Clinical Trials

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Identify organizations conducting clinical trials.
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Create a database of clinical trials.

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Compiling a database of clinical trials will provide a valuable resource for future research and learning.

Browse courses on Clinical Trials

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Search for and collect clinical trials from various sources.
Extract relevant data from each trial.
Structure and organize the data in a database.

Develop a research proposal for a systematic review.

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Creating a research proposal will provide hands-on experience in designing and planning a systematic review.

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Identify a research question and define the scope of the review.
Develop a search strategy.
Describe the methods for data extraction, analysis, and synthesis.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Medical Writer

Medical Writers are responsible for writing clear, concise, and accurate medical documents. These documents can include journal articles, clinical trial reports, and patient education materials. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Medical Writers develop the skills they need to critically evaluate medical research and write high-quality medical documents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research to improve our understanding of the world around us. They develop and test new theories, and they publish their findings in scientific journals. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Research Scientists develop the skills they need to design and conduct rigorous scientific research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use statistical techniques to identify trends and patterns in data, and they develop visualizations to communicate their findings. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Data Analysts develop the skills they need to analyze large datasets and draw meaningful conclusions from data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. They use statistical techniques to identify trends and patterns in data, and they develop models to predict future outcomes. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Statisticians develop the skills they need to design and conduct rigorous statistical studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of diseases in populations. They use statistical techniques to identify risk factors for disease, and they develop strategies to prevent and control disease outbreaks. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Epidemiologists develop the skills they need to design and conduct rigorous epidemiological studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Public Health Researcher

Public Health Researchers conduct research to improve the health of populations. They investigate the causes of disease, and they develop and evaluate public health interventions. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Public Health Researchers develop the skills they need to design and conduct rigorous public health research studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Researcher

Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Research Coordinators manage clinical trials and other research studies. They work with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that studies are conducted according to protocol. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Clinical Research Coordinators develop the skills they need to manage clinical trials and other research studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts ensure that products and services meet quality standards. They develop and implement quality control procedures, and they monitor products and services to identify defects. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Quality Assurance Analysts develop the skills they need to design and implement quality control procedures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts develop and evaluate health policies. They use research to identify the most effective ways to improve the health of populations. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Health Policy Analysts develop the skills they need to evaluate the effectiveness of health policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Medical Librarian

Medical Librarians help people find and use medical information. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Medical Librarians develop the skills they need to find and evaluate medical information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Librarian

Science Writer

Science Writers write about science and technology for a general audience. They work for newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Science Writers develop the skills they need to write clear and concise explanations of scientific research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, user guides, and other technical documents. They work for a variety of industries, including software, hardware, and manufacturing. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Technical Writers learn how to write clear and concise technical documents.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Patent Examiner

Patent Examiners review patent applications to ensure that they meet the requirements for a patent. They search for prior art and write reports that explain their findings. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Patent Examiners develop the skills they need to search for prior art and write clear and concise reports.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Examiner

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. They work for insurance companies, pension funds, and other financial institutions. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course can help Actuaries develop the skills they need to assess risk and uncertainty.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use economic models to analyze economic data and make predictions about the future. The Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis course may be useful for Economists who want to learn how to conduct systematic reviews of economic research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Save

Provides a practical guide to conducting meta-analyses. It covers all aspects of the process, from planning and conducting the search to interpreting and presenting the results.

Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Hardcover

$$$

Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Hardcover

Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Kindle Edition

$$$

Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Save

Provides a practical guide to conducting meta-analyses. It covers all aspects of the process, from planning and conducting the search to interpreting and presenting the results.

Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Hardcover

$$$

Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Hardcover

Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Kindle Edition

$$$

Practical Meta-Analysis

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of meta-analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of meta-analysis to advanced statistical methods.

Practical Meta-Analysis (Applied Social Research...

Paperback

$$$

Measures for Clinical Practice and Research : A...

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of meta-analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of meta-analysis to advanced statistical methods.

Measures for Clinical Practice and Research: A...

Kindle Edition

Meta-Analysis for Explanation

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of meta-analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of meta-analysis to advanced statistical methods.

Meta-Analysis for Explanation: A Casebook

Paperback

Applied Meta-Analysis for Social Science Research

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of meta-analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of meta-analysis to advanced statistical methods.

Applied Meta-Analysis for Social Science Research...

Paperback

Applied Meta-Analysis for Social Science Research...

Unknown Binding

$$$$

Applied Meta-Analysis for Social Science Research...

Kindle Edition

A Handbook for Evidence-Based Juvenile Justice...

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of meta-analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of meta-analysis to advanced statistical methods.

A Handbook for Evidence-Based Juvenile Justice...

Kindle Edition

Meta-Regression Analysis in Economics and Business

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of meta-analysis. It covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of meta-analysis to advanced statistical methods.

Meta-Regression Analysis in Economics and Business...

Paperback

$$$

Meta-Regression Analysis in Economics and Business...

Kindle Edition

$$$

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Effort

6 weeks of study, 4-6 hours/week

Via

Coursera

Institution

Johns Hopkins University

Instructors

Tianjing Li, MD, MHS, PHD

Kay Dickersin, PhD

Language

English

Transcripts

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Good to know

Develops strong foundation of conducting systematic reviews in clinical trials

Introduces standard methods used in industry

Instructors are recognized for their work on systematic reviews and meta-analysis

Introduces the PICO framework

Covers transparent and appropriate reporting of clinical trials

Share and help others discover this course.

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