SMP4109: Systematic Reviews and Critical Appraisal Techniques
The Systematic Reviews and Critical Appraisal Techniques module is led by Angie Ryan. It runs in the Spring semester and is worth 15 credits.
Module description
This module is designed to familiarise students with principles of systematic reviews and critical appraisal and the acquisition of skills necessary to undertake such work. It includes
- an introduction to principles of systematic literature reviews and critical appraisal
- search strategies; computer-assisted search methods
- practicalities of writing up the results of a systematic review
- introduction to meta-analysis (reviews of quantitative studies) and meta-synthesis (reviews of qualitative studies)
- dissemination of findings
Objectives
By the end of the unit, a candidate will be able to
- describe the key principles of a systematic review and how they are used within healthcare
- formulate a complete and valid review question
- assess the different methods for identifying evidence and their respective merits
- recognise the importance of quality assessment as a key component of the systematic review process
- analyse the contribution of the different stages of the systematic review process to the limitation of the potential for bias
- explain how different methods of synthesis may be used to produce and present evidence within a systematic review
- interpret the findings from the systematic review process within the context of recommendations for research and recommendations for practice
Teaching
This module can also be taken as part of the following courses:
This module is not available as a DDP module
Lectures will be used to orientate students to the topic.
They will identify the utility of systematic review methods in general and explore the main stages of the review process within which detailed consideration of specific types of review question can take place.
Practical workshops will equip students with experience and skills related to the principal stages of the systematic review process.
Finally, independent study will allow follow up of an extensive repository of resources and preparation of the mini-systematic review assignment.
Fees and funding
You can find out more about fees and funding for CPD modules in the School of Medicine and Population Health at the link below. We accept sponsored as well as self-funding students.
How to apply
Find out what you need to do to apply for a CPD module in the School of Medicine and Population Health.
Contact
For more information on this module, speak to the lead academic:
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it is up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research, funding changes, professional accreditation requirements, student or employer feedback, outcomes of reviews, and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
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