Introduction to Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Coursera)

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

Syllabus

WEEK 1
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.

WEEK 2
Framing the Question
In this module, we will discuss how to frame a question, as well as scope, elements, and refining the question.

WEEK 3
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.

WEEK 4
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.

WEEK 5
Planning the Meta-Analysis and Statistical Methods
This module will cover the planning of your meat-analysis and the statistical methods for meta-analysis.

WEEK 6
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.