This module focuses on defining the scope and direction of a systematic review before the review process begins. You will learn how to develop a clear and focused review question, conduct scoping searches, establish appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, and create a review protocol to guide your work. By carefully planning these foundational elements, you will be well prepared to conduct a rigorous, transparent, and effective systematic review.

This module explores how to search for, identify, and select the evidence needed for a systematic review. You will learn how to develop effective search strategies, choose appropriate databases, screen studies against inclusion criteria, and select relevant papers for review. The module also introduces best practices for documenting and reporting the search process, helping you conduct a thorough, transparent, and reproducible evidence search.

This module explores the process of extracting, organizing, and assessing data for inclusion in a systematic review. You will learn how to identify and record relevant study data, select appropriate quality assessment tools, and evaluate the methodological quality of included studies. The module also examines how data extraction supports data synthesis and reporting, helping you present findings clearly and systematically while maintaining the rigor and transparency of your review.

This module introduces approaches to analyzing and synthesizing quantitative evidence within a systematic review. You will explore common methods for interpreting and presenting quantitative data, including narrative synthesis and meta-analysis, and learn how to select the most appropriate approach for your review. The module also examines when and how data can be combined across studies, helping you develop a clear understanding of the processes involved in producing meaningful, evidence-based conclusions from quantitative research.

This module provides an introduction to qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) within systematic reviews. You will explore the key stages involved in synthesizing qualitative research, examine different approaches to qualitative analysis and synthesis, and learn how to select methods that best align with your review aims. The module also considers the role of theory in qualitative evidence synthesis, helping you develop a rigorous and insightful approach to interpreting and integrating qualitative findings across studies.

This module focuses on communicating the results of a systematic review clearly, transparently, and in line with established reporting standards. You will learn the difference between guidance for conducting and reporting a review, explore the purpose and structure of each section of a systematic review, and develop strategies for presenting your methods and findings effectively. By the end of the module, you will be better prepared to write a well-structured, rigorous, and publishable systematic review.

This module explores how to maximize the impact of your systematic review by sharing its findings with the right audiences. You will learn why timely dissemination is an important part of the review process, identify appropriate audiences for your work, and evaluate both traditional and alternative methods of communicating research findings. The module also provides practical guidance on preparing manuscripts and developing a dissemination strategy to ensure your review reaches and influences those who can benefit from its insights.

In addition to the glossary you’ll find woven throughout the course, you can find the full glossary collated in one place here.