- Explain the rational and need for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomised trials
- Understand and list the important design features of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
- Conduct, present and report systematic reviews and meta-analyses
- Formulate a proper review question
- Design a comprehensive and efficient search strategy to retrieve studies in electronic bibliographic databases that report original study data
- Perform the search accordingly and organize the results using bibliographic management software
- Assess studies for their directness of evidence (for patients, treatments, outcomes) and organise and filter them accordingly
- Assess studies for their risk of (selection and information) bias and organise and filter them accordingly
- Extract original study data (i.e. sample size; distribution parameters of baseline risk and outcome risk) and prepare these for pooled data-analyses
- Analyse pooled data accurately, using computer software and different approaches and methods (i.e. selection of statistical models, evaluate heterogeneity and publication bias)
- Summarise findings using both graphs and tables
- Put findings in context, draw conclusions and present these conclusions
- Critically assess and evaluate systematic reviews and meta-analyses
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| Education form |
Startdate |
Enddate |
Registration period |
| Face-2-Face |
7-2-2022 |
11-2-2022 |
BMS_P3_A |
| Onilne* |
21-2-2022 |
11-3-2022 |
BMS_P3_B |
| Onilne* |
30-5-2022 |
17-6-2022 |
BMS_P4_B |
*Online courses are only available for Epidemiology students following a full online programme.
Contact details: Educational Office Epidemiology
E-mail: msc-epidemiology@umcutrecht.nl
Registration:
Register via https://www.msc-epidemiology.nl/single-courses.html
Course coordinator:
Pauline Heus
Course description:
Meta-Analysis is the statistical approach to synthesis of the results from a series of studies. During this course we will present and discuss the rational and use of meta-analysis. We will discuss the strengths and limitations, and provide step-by-step guidance on how to perform a meta-analysis based on examples that either has provoked discussion on their logic and methods, or that have challenged conventional beliefs in medicine and biomedical sciences.
Logic and developments on particular approaches (e.g. model selection, individual patient data meta-analyses), and controversies in meta-analysis will be discussed during interactive tutorials (e.g. dealing with heterogeneity and when to refrain from meta-analysis).
Participants will learn how to conduct a meta-analysis. They will get hands-on experience on different aspects of the design and conduct of meta-analysis, including computer practicals using Excel, Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA), STATA and MIX. By the end of the course, participants should be able to conduct a meta-analysis.
Participants gain access to the online materials the week before the course. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptop.
Literature/study material used:
-
Mandatory for students in own Master’s programme:
MIght be for a specialization programme of Epidemiology & Epidemiology Postgraduate
Optional for students in other GSLS Master’s programme:
Yes
Prerequisite knowledge:
Knowledge of statistical methods (Introduction to Statistics or equivalent) is required, as well as understanding of research designs (Study design or equivalent)
Appreciation of the design of intervention studies would in particular be helpful (Clinical trials & drug risk assessment -or equivalent)
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