Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Course

Introduction

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are foundational tools in evidence-based research, providing structured and reproducible approaches to synthesizing scientific evidence. This course on Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to critically appraise, conduct, and report high-quality reviews that inform policy, clinical practice, and academic research. By combining theory with applied examples, the course bridges the gap between methodological rigor and real-world application.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the systematic review process, including formulating research questions, developing protocols, conducting literature searches, assessing the quality of studies, and extracting and synthesizing data. The course also delves into the principles and statistical techniques of meta-analysis, guiding learners through fixed and random-effects models, heterogeneity assessment, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis using standard software tools such as RevMan, STATA, or R.

Designed with both novice and intermediate researchers in mind, the course places a strong emphasis on transparency, reproducibility, and adherence to international guidelines such as PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and the Cochrane Handbook. Real-world case studies and hands-on sessions will enhance learners’ capacity to apply theoretical knowledge in diverse fields such as health sciences, education, environmental studies, and social sciences.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to independently design and conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses, interpret findings effectively, and produce publication-ready manuscripts. Whether intended for academic publication, policy formulation, or program evaluation, the skills acquired through this training are essential for producing credible, evidence-informed conclusions that support informed decision-making and contribute to global knowledge.

Duration

5 days

Who should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

·       Researchers and Academics who need to systematically review and synthesize evidence for publications or projects

·       Graduate and Postgraduate Students especially those working on theses or dissertations involving literature reviews or meta-analyses

·       Health Professionals and Clinicians involved in evaluating medical interventions or developing clinical guidelines

·       Public Health Experts and Epidemiologists who use evidence-based methods to inform policy and health strategies

·       Social Scientists and Education Researchers conducting reviews to support academic research or policy development

·       Development Practitioners and NGO Staff who assess program effectiveness and report evidence-based outcomes

·       Policy Makers and Analysts needing structured, reliable evidence to guide decisions

·       Research Consultants and Evaluators supporting organizations in planning, monitoring, or evaluating programs

·       Journal Editors and Peer Reviewers who assess the quality and rigor of submitted systematic reviews

·       Grant Writers and Guideline Developers requiring strong, evidence-based support for proposals and recommendations

Course Objectives

By the end of this course the learners should be able to:

·       Understand the fundamental principles and importance of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in evidence-based research

·       Formulate clear and focused research questions using frameworks such as PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome)

·       Develop a structured review protocol that adheres to international standards such as PRISMA and the Cochrane Handbook

·       Conduct comprehensive and systematic literature searches using appropriate databases and search strategies

·       Critically appraise the quality and risk of bias in primary studies using established assessment tools

·       Extract and manage data systematically for qualitative and quantitative synthesis

·       Perform basic and advanced meta-analysis techniques using statistical software such as RevMan, STATA, or R

·       Interpret and present meta-analysis results, including forest plots, funnel plots, and heterogeneity measures

·       Address issues such as publication bias, heterogeneity, and sensitivity analysis in meta-analytic research

·       Prepare a publication-ready systematic review and meta-analysis report for academic or professional use

·       Apply systematic review methods across disciplines, including health, social sciences, education, and development sectors

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis

• Overview and purpose of systematic reviews and meta-analysis
• Importance in evidence-based research and policy-making
• Differences between narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses
• Key steps and structure of a systematic review

Module 2: Formulating Research Questions and Developing Protocols

• Defining a focused research question using PICO, SPIDER, or other frameworks
• Developing a review protocol and registering with PROSPERO
• Inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Introduction to PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook

Module 3: Literature Search and Data Sources

• Designing comprehensive search strategies
• Selecting appropriate bibliographic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science)
• Using Boolean operators and advanced search techniques
• Managing references using tools like EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero

Module 4: Screening, Selection, and Quality Appraisal

• Title and abstract screening, full-text selection
• PRISMA flow diagram and documentation
• Assessing study quality and risk of bias (e.g., using JBI, CASP, Cochrane Risk of Bias tools)
• Tools for managing the review process (e.g., Covidence, Rayyan)

Module 5: Data Extraction and Management

• Designing and piloting data extraction forms
• Extracting quantitative and qualitative data
• Managing and organizing data for analysis

Module 6: Meta-Analysis Basics and Statistical Concepts

• Introduction to effect sizes (risk ratios, odds ratios, mean differences)
• Fixed-effect vs. random-effects models
• Forest plots and interpretation
• Assessing heterogeneity (I², Chi² tests)

Module 7: Advanced Meta-Analysis Techniques

• Subgroup analysis and meta-regression
• Sensitivity analysis
• Publication bias and funnel plots
• Bayesian meta-analysis (emerging topic)
• Network meta-analysis (emerging topic)

Module 8: Reporting and Presenting Results

• Interpreting results in context
• Writing up systematic reviews for publication
• Using PRISMA 2020 and GRADE to report quality of evidence
• Ethical considerations in systematic review reporting

Module 9: Software for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis

• Introduction to RevMan, STATA, and R (meta, metafor packages)
• Practical hands-on exercises with real datasets
• Data visualization tools and dashboards

Module 10: Emerging Trends and Applications

• Living systematic reviews
• Automation and artificial intelligence in screening and data extraction
• Integrating qualitative evidence in systematic reviews (mixed methods synthesis)
• Use of machine learning tools (e.g., DistillerSR, RobotReviewer)
• Systematic reviews in climate science, education, and social policy

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: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill 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 Upskill 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: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.