Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of health research

We are still accepting applications for this course

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of health research

The increasing amount of research information produced each year makes it impossible for users of health research to evaluate and keep up-to-date with the new evidence. Consequently systematic reviews have a vital role in providing reliable syntheses of research for evidence-based decision-making.

This five day course will provide participants with a basis in the design, analysis and interpretation of systematic reviews of health research. Participants will be given grounding in all aspects involved in conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis, and will have the opportunity to gain practical experience of the tasks involved. By the end of the course participants will be equipped with the necessary skills to conduct their own high quality systematic reviews of health research.

At the end of the course the students should be able to;

- Describe the principles of systematic reviews
- Interpret the results of systematic reviews
- Critically appraise existing systematic reviews
- Conduct their own high quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses

In 2010 the course will run from the 6 to 10 September.

Who should attend the course?

Healthcare researchers including clinicians, nurses, epidemiologists and public health practitioners, who are interested in learning the key concepts involved in the design and production of high quality systematic reviews. It will be assumed that participants will have no prior experience of conducting systematic reviews, however will have a basic understanding of statistics and epidemiological study designs.

Teaching Methods and Course Materials

The course will be run by researchers who have extensive knowledge and experience in the conduct of high quality systematic reviews in a variety of health disciplines.

Course content

-Introduction to and rationale of systematic reviews of health research
-Question formulation and protocol development
-Planning and performing searches
-Critical appraisal
-Introduction to statistical methods and software for meta-analysis
-Publication and reporting bias
-Dealing with missing data
-Systematic reviews of diagnostic and prognostic studies
-Systematic reviews of complex interventions

Sessions will run from 9.00 to 17.00 each day.

The course will involve lectures and participatory practical sessions. A course manual will be given to participants at the beginning of the week.

Methods of Assessment

There will be no formal examination. A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to all completing the course.

Course Fee

The total course fee is £1000, which covers participation in the course, materials, incidental tea/coffee and course dinner on Tuesday evening, but does not cover travel costs, accommodation and other meals. If the course fee is to be paid on the applicant's behalf, please send a letter from the sponsor to confirm this as soon as possible. Otherwise, the applicant will be held personally responsible for payment. Fees are payable in full by 2 August 2010.

Accommodation

The School cannot provide accommodation for participants. A list of hotels and other accommodation located in the vicinity of the School can be provided on request to Registry.

Please return a completed application form along with an equal opportunities form to:

Registry, LSHTM, 50 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3DP, UK, Tel: +44 (0)20 7299 4648

Alternatively, by fax:

Fax: +44 (0)20 7323 0638

Or email: shortcourses@lshtm.ac.uk