Introduction to Conducting Systematic Reviews is a class designed for anyone that wants to learn more about how to do a systematic review. The class will be taught using a flipped classroom learning model. Please complete the first Cochrane Interactive Learning module for systematic reviews called, "Introduction to Conducting Systematic Reviews", prior to attending the class.
The actual class time will be used for discussion and to address questions you have about the module or systematic reviews in general. There will also be time to talk about how to use the remaining Cochrane Interactive Learning modules for the systematic review you are working on.
Learning objectives:
- Engage in self-directed learning about systematic reviews
- Ask questions about what was learned from the module and applications to a systematic review
Resources:
The following resources discussed during the Introduction to Conducting Systematic Review class may be helpful for your work:
Systematic Review Handbooks
Please reference the Cochrane Handbook or JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis for step-by-step guidance on conducting systematic reviews. The Cochrane Handbook is the gold-standard for systematic reviews or meta-analyses of effectiveness studies. The JBI Manual provides guidance for different types of systematic review questions.
Systematic Review Reporting Standards
Please refer to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for the reporting of your systematic review manuscript. You can use the PRISMA 2020 Checklist to ensure the correct order of information reported in your manuscript, as well as access tools like the Flow Diagram and Protocols checklist.
Tools to Assess the Quality of Systematic Reviews
If you are interested in assessing the quality of a systematic review, please consider using one of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklists, the AMSTAR-2 tool, or the ROBIS tool.
Cochrane Interactive Learning
If you are interested in further training on systematic review methodology, please consider completing the Cochrane Interactive Learning modules. Developed by systematic review experts at the Cochrane Collaboration, these modules are based on the information provided in the Cochrane Handbook. Upon completing each module, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Other Systematic Review Resources
Read Systematic review or scoping review? (Munn et al., 2018) to help you determine which review methodology is the right one for your research question.
Still confused about which type of review methodology is best? Try using the Right Review tool to help you decide.
If you determine the systematic review is the right methodology but you are not sure what type of research question to ask, please read What kind of systematic review should I conduct? (Munn et al., 2018).
Utilize the Preliminary Topic Investigation article to begin thinking about your potential systematic review topic.
If you are not sure which validated tools to use for your risk of bias assessment, please check out the Latitudes Network and search by study design.
Remember that you can use the Covidence Systematic Review Software to organize the screening, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction stages of your systematic review.
Resources for Other Types of Reviews
Read Grant & Booth typology of reviews (2009) to get an overview of 14 review methodologies that may be applicable to your research question and resources.
Read Systematic review or scoping review? (Munn et al., 2018) to help you determine which review methodology is the right one for your research question and resources.
Still confused about which type of review methodology is best? Try using the Right Review tool to help you decide.
If you decide that a scoping review is the right methodology, please see our Scoping Review Methods and Resources article.
If you decide that a rapid review is the right methodology, please see the guidance available from the Cochrane Rapid Review Methods Group.
If you decide that an umbrella review is the right methodology, please see the guidance available from Chapter 9 of the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis.
If you decide that an integrative review is the right methodology, please see the guidance available from Whittemore & Knafl (2005).
- Faculty
- Graduate Students
- Junior Faculty
- Post-docs
- Researchers
- Staff
If you are interested in booking a customized group program, please review our Educational Program Policy and Procedures and then fill out the Request a Program form.