Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Training Course

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Training Course

This intensive 5-day training course provides a comprehensive and practical guide to conducting high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Designed for researchers, healthcare professionals, and academics, the course covers the entire process from formulating a clear research question to synthesizing evidence, performing statistical meta-analysis, and disseminating findings. Participants will gain the essential skills to critically appraise existing literature, identify gaps in knowledge, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making in their respective fields.

Throughout the course, we will delve into key topics such as developing a robust search strategy, efficient study selection and data extraction, assessing the risk of bias in primary studies, understanding the principles of meta-analysis, performing statistical synthesis for different data types, and interpreting heterogeneity. Each module incorporates practical sessions using relevant software to ensure hands-on experience and immediate application of the learned methodologies.


Who Should Attend the Training

  • Researchers and academics across various disciplines
  • Healthcare professionals and clinicians
  • Postgraduate students (Masters, PhD)
  • Evidence synthesis practitioners
  • Public health professionals
  • Anyone involved in evidence-based decision-making

Objectives of the Training

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the principles and importance of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
  • Formulate clear and answerable research questions using frameworks like PICO/PICOS.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive search strategies across multiple databases.
  • Efficiently screen studies for inclusion and extract relevant data.
  • Critically appraise the risk of bias in different study designs.
  • Understand the statistical principles underlying meta-analysis.
  • Perform meta-analysis for dichotomous and continuous outcomes using appropriate software.
  • Interpret and address heterogeneity in meta-analysis.
  • Conduct sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of findings.
  • Effectively report and disseminate the results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Personal Benefits

  • Acquire highly sought-after skills in evidence synthesis.
  • Enhance research methodology and critical appraisal abilities.
  • Improve the quality and rigor of personal research projects.
  • Gain confidence in interpreting and applying research findings.
  • Boost academic and professional credibility.
  • Open doors to new research collaborations and opportunities.

Organizational Benefits

  • Improve the quality and reliability of evidence-based decision-making.
  • Enhance the organization's capacity for rigorous research and knowledge synthesis.
  • Facilitate the development of evidence-informed policies and practices.
  • Increase the impact and visibility of organizational research outputs.
  • Optimize resource allocation by identifying effective interventions.
  • Foster a culture of critical thinking and evidence utilization.

Training Methodology

Our training approach emphasizes interactive and hands-on learning. The methodology includes:

  • Engaging lectures and theoretical discussions
  • Step-by-step demonstrations of systematic review processes
  • Practical exercises using real-world examples and datasets
  • Guided sessions with specialized software for meta-analysis (e.g., RevMan, R)
  • Group discussions and collaborative problem-solving
  • Q&A sessions and personalized feedback
  • Case studies illustrating successful systematic reviews

Trainer Experience

Our trainers are leading experts in systematic reviews and meta-analysis, with extensive experience in conducting, publishing, and teaching evidence synthesis methodologies across various fields. They possess a deep understanding of methodological guidelines (e.g., Cochrane, PRISMA) and practical challenges. Their expertise spans various study designs and statistical approaches, ensuring participants receive comprehensive and up-to-date guidance from seasoned practitioners.


Quality Statement

We are committed to delivering high-quality training that is relevant, practical, and impactful. Our course content is meticulously designed, regularly updated, and delivered by expert facilitators dedicated to fostering a dynamic and supportive learning environment. We strive to empower our participants with the skills and confidence to excel in their professional endeavors.


Tailor-made courses

We understand that every organization has unique needs. We offer the flexibility to customize this training course to align with your specific objectives, industry requirements, and organizational context. Our tailor-made programs can be adapted in terms of content, duration, and delivery format to provide a learning experience that directly addresses your challenges and goals.


 

Course Duration: 5 days

Training fee: USD 1300

Module 1: Introduction to Evidence Synthesis

  • What are Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses? Definitions and distinctions
  • Importance and Role in Evidence-Based Practice and Policy
  • Types of Evidence Synthesis: Scoping reviews, rapid reviews, umbrella reviews
  • Key Methodological Guidelines: PRISMA, Cochrane Handbook
  • The Systematic Review Process: An overview of the key steps
  • Practical session: Discussing examples of systematic reviews and identifying their key components.

Module 2: Formulating the Research Question (PICO/PICOS)

  • The Importance of a Clear Research Question
  • PICO Framework: Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome
  • PICOS Framework: Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Study Design
  • Refining and Scoping the Question: Feasibility and relevance
  • Developing a Review Protocol: Registration (e.g., PROSPERO)
  • Practical session: Participants formulate a PICO/PICOS question for a hypothetical systematic review.

Module 3: Developing a Comprehensive Search Strategy

  • Identifying Key Databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library
  • Constructing Search Strings: Keywords, MeSH terms, Boolean operators
  • Advanced Search Techniques: Truncation, wildcards, proximity operators
  • Managing Search Results: Reference management software (e.g., Zotero, EndNote)
  • Documenting the Search Process: Reproducibility and transparency
  • Practical session: Developing a search strategy for a given PICO question in a selected database.

Module 4: Study Selection and Data Extraction

  • Screening Process: Title/abstract screening, full-text review
  • Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Developing and applying them consistently
  • Resolving Disagreements: Consensus and arbitration
  • Designing Data Extraction Forms: Key variables and outcomes
  • Performing Data Extraction: Accuracy and consistency
  • Practical session: Hands-on practice with screening studies based on pre-defined criteria and extracting data from sample articles.

Module 5: Assessing Risk of Bias in Included Studies

  • Why Assess Risk of Bias? Impact on review findings
  • Common Biases in Research: Selection, performance, detection, attrition, reporting
  • Tools for Risk of Bias Assessment: Cochrane RoB 2.0 (RCTs), ROBINS-I (non-RCTs)
  • Interpreting Risk of Bias Assessments: High, low, some concerns
  • Incorporating Risk of Bias into Review Findings
  • Practical session: Applying a risk of bias tool (e.g., RoB 2.0) to a sample randomized controlled trial.

Module 6: Introduction to Meta-Analysis

  • What is Meta-Analysis? Statistical synthesis of results
  • When is Meta-Analysis Appropriate? Homogeneity vs. heterogeneity
  • Effect Measures for Different Data Types: Odds Ratios, Risk Ratios, Mean Differences
  • Fixed-Effect vs. Random-Effects Models: Assumptions and application
  • Interpreting Forest Plots: Visualizing individual study results and pooled estimates
  • Practical session: Interpreting various forest plots and understanding their components.

Module 7: Performing Meta-Analysis (Dichotomous and Continuous Data)

  • Data Preparation for Meta-Analysis Software
  • Meta-Analysis of Dichotomous Outcomes: Odds Ratios, Risk Ratios
  • Meta-Analysis of Continuous Outcomes: Mean Differences, Standardized Mean Differences
  • Using RevMan for Meta-Analysis: Step-by-step guide
  • Introduction to Meta-Analysis in R (basic commands)
  • Practical session: Performing a meta-analysis using RevMan with provided sample data for both dichotomous and continuous outcomes.

Module 8: Heterogeneity and Sensitivity Analysis

  • Assessing Heterogeneity: I-squared statistic and Chi-squared test
  • Sources of Heterogeneity: Clinical, methodological, statistical
  • Addressing Heterogeneity: Subgroup analysis, meta-regression (conceptual)
  • Sensitivity Analysis: Testing the robustness of results to assumptions
  • Publication Bias: Funnel plots and Egger's test (conceptual)
  • Practical session: Analyzing heterogeneity in a meta-analysis and conducting a simple sensitivity analysis by excluding certain studies.

Module 9: Reporting and Disseminating Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

  • PRISMA Statement and Checklist: Guidelines for reporting
  • Writing the Introduction and Methods Sections: Transparency and reproducibility
  • Presenting Results: Text, tables, and figures (forest plots, funnel plots)
  • Discussion and Conclusion: Interpreting findings, limitations, future research
  • Dissemination Strategies: Journal publication, conference presentations
  • Practical session: Critiquing the reporting quality of a published systematic review using the PRISMA checklist.

Module 10: Advanced Topics and Software Tools

  • Network Meta-Analysis: Comparing multiple interventions (conceptual)
  • Individual Patient Data (IPD) Meta-Analysis (conceptual)
  • Living Systematic Reviews: Continuous updating
  • Introduction to Other Software: Stata, Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA)
  • Practical Tips for Conducting a Successful Systematic Review
  • Practical session: Exploring features of advanced meta-analysis software (e.g., CMA demo or R package walkthrough) and discussing best practices.

Requirements:

·       Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

·       Applicants must live up to Armstrong Global Institute admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Armstrong Global Training & Development Center Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588 or Email training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

Instructor-led Training Schedule

Course Dates Venue Fees Enroll
Sep 22 - Sep 26 2025 Zoom $1,300
Nov 17 - Nov 21 2025 Nairobi $1,300
Oct 13 - Oct 17 2025 Kigali $1,300
Nov 10 - Nov 14 2025 Kampala $1,300
Nov 24 - Nov 28 2025 Dubai $1,300
Dec 15 - Dec 19 2025 Johannesburg $1,300
Jan 05 - Jan 09 2026 Mombasa $1,300
Oct 06 - Oct 10 2025 Cape Town $1,300
Sep 15 - Sep 19 2025 Pretoria $1,300
Dec 01 - Dec 05 2025 Kisumu $1,300
Sep 08 - Sep 12 2025 Nakuru $1,300
Oct 27 - Oct 31 2025 Naivasha $1,300
Nov 10 - Nov 14 2025 Arusha $1,300
Nov 10 - Nov 14 2025 Nanyuki $1,300
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