This is a beginner-level course for individuals without experience conducting systematic reviews or meta-analysis to gain hands-on skills and knowledge from the perspective of the conduct of this research. The learning objectives are as follows:
◦To understand the role and value of systematic reviews and when a meta-analysis should be considered.
◦To learn the steps in developing a meta-analysis, including hypothesis generation, developing eligibility criteria and a search strategy, screening and evaluation of references, data extraction and validation
◦To learn how to develop an analysis plan, including determining the outcome and effect measure to be used, selecting between fixed and random effects models, assessing heterogeneity, bias and study quality
◦To review the required elements for publication of a meta-analysis.
◦To identify key areas of potential error.
◦To practice key steps in the conduct of these studies, including writing and running systematic review search strategies, the role of documentation and recordkeeping through hands-on examples, and practicing analyses using available software resources.
◦To review the PRISMA guidelines and understand how the topics covered in the course are translated to study publication.