Systematic Review Methodology: Supporting Evidence-based Practice Through Rigorous Literature Searching Training Course

Introduction

Empower library professionals to become leaders in evidence-based practice with our comprehensive Systematic Review Methodology Training Course. This program equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to conduct rigorous literature searches, critically appraise evidence, and synthesize findings to support informed decision-making. Mastering systematic review methodology is increasingly vital for libraries seeking to enhance their role in research, promote evidence-based practices, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in various fields. Our systematic review training course offers in-depth guidance and actionable strategies for conducting high-quality systematic reviews.

This Systematic Review Methodology training delves into key areas such as the systematic review process, formulating research questions, conducting comprehensive literature searches, critically appraising study quality, synthesizing evidence, and reporting review findings. You will gain expertise in using various databases and search strategies, applying critical appraisal tools, and effectively communicating review results. Whether you are a health sciences librarian, academic librarian, or any librarian involved in research support, this Systematic Review Methodology course will provide you with the tools and knowledge to effectively conduct systematic reviews and support evidence-based practice.

Target Audience:

• Health Sciences Librarians
• Academic Librarians
• Research Librarians
• Evidence Synthesis Librarians
• Clinical Librarians
• Systematic Review Specialists
• Information Specialists

Course Objectives:

• Understand the systematic review process.
• Formulate answerable research questions.
• Conduct comprehensive literature searches.
• Develop effective search strategies.
• Manage and organize search results.
• Critically appraise study quality.
• Synthesize evidence from multiple studies.
• Interpret and report review findings.
• Use tools for systematic reviews.
• Understand bias in systematic reviews.
• Apply reporting guidelines (PRISMA).
• Adapt systematic reviews for different contexts.
• Stay current with systematic review methodology.

DURATION

5 Days

Course Content:

Module 1: Introduction to Systematic Reviews

• Understanding the systematic review process.
• Defining systematic reviews and their importance.
• Comparing systematic reviews with other review types.
• Understanding the role of systematic reviews in evidence-based practice.
• Best practices for planning a systematic review.

Module 2: Formulating Research Questions

• Formulating answerable research questions.
• Developing well-defined and focused research questions.
• Using the PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome).
• Identifying the key components of a research question.
• Best practices for refining research questions for systematic reviews.

Module 3: Conducting the Literature Search

• Conducting comprehensive literature searches.
• Identifying relevant databases and information sources.
• Developing a search strategy.
• Using keywords, controlled vocabulary, and Boolean operators.
• Best practices for conducting thorough and reproducible searches.

Module 4: Developing the Search Strategy

• Developing effective search strategies.
• Understanding the principles of search strategy design.
• Translating research questions into search terms.
• Adapting search strategies for different databases.
• Best practices for optimizing search strategies for precision and recall.

Module 5: Managing Search Results

• Managing and organizing search results.
• Using citation management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero).
• Removing duplicate records.
• Screening articles for inclusion and exclusion.
• Best practices for efficiently managing and documenting search results.

Module 6: Critical Appraisal of Study Quality

• Critically appraising study quality.
• Understanding the principles of critical appraisal.
• Using critical appraisal tools (e.g., Cochrane Risk of Bias tool).
• Assessing the validity and reliability of included studies.
• Best practices for minimizing bias in quality assessment.

Module 7: Synthesizing the Evidence

• Synthesizing evidence from multiple studies.
• Understanding methods of evidence synthesis (e.g., meta-analysis, thematic synthesis).
• Combining and comparing findings from different studies.
• Interpreting heterogeneity and inconsistency.
• Best practices for summarizing and synthesizing research evidence.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.