Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Learning objectives
Upon successful completion of the course the post-graduate students are expected to be able to:
- develop a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol according to SPIRIT guidelines
- apply methods used in meta-analysis. More specifically, they will be able to:
- Choose and apply fixed- and random-effects models based on the characteristics of the data
- Apply the Mantel-Heanzel, Peto, Inverse variance, Der Simonian and Laird methods.
- Apply and interpret the heterogeneity criterion Q and I2
- Apply meta-regression and investigate sources of heterogeneity
- Implement sensitivity analysis
- create forest plots, as well as funnel plots, graphs to investigate the systematic error of small studies or to identify studies with a large effect on the results, etc.
- understand and evaluate results of meta-analyses. In particular:
- heterogeneity
- systematic publication error
- effect of small studies
- publish findings of a meta-analysis according to PRISMA guidelines.
Course content
The following topics are covered:
- Introduction to meta-analysis –Protocol development
- Systematic review
- Practical exercise in literature review through PubMed
- Study evaluation and data extraction
- Synthesis of the estimates of studies – fixed and random effects model
- Systematic errors in meta-analysis
- Assessment of heterogeneity
- Practical exercise in Revman
- Practical exercise in STATA
- Evaluation and presentation of findings of a meta-analysis for publication
- Practical exercise in STATA
- General issues in meta-analysis
Category: 2nd semester