We will introduce methods to perform systematic reviews and meta-analysis of clinical trials. We will cover how to formulate an answerable research question, define inclusion and exclusion criteria, search for the evidence, extract data, assess the risk of bias in clinical trials, and perform a meta-analysis.
Upon successfully completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the steps in conducting a systematic review
- Develop an answerable question using the “Participants Interventions Comparisons Outcomes” (PICO) framework
- Describe the process used to collect and extract data from reports of clinical trials
- Describe methods to critically assess the risk of bias of clinical trials
- Describe and interpret the results of meta-analyses
Johns Hopkins University
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week
1Introduction
To get the ball rolling, we'll take a broad overview of what to expect in this course and then introduce you to the high-level concepts of systematic review and meta-analysis and take a look at who produces and uses systematic reviews.
5 videos (Total 40 min), 3 readings
5 videos
Lecture 1A : Introduction to Systematic Reviews15m
Lecture 1B: Introduction to Meta-Analysis12m
Lecture 1C: Producers and Users of Systematic Reviews8m
Hannah Rothstein, PhD1m
3 readings
Syllabus10m
Pre Course Survey10m
From the Field Videos10m
Week
2Framing the Question
In this module, we will discuss how to frame a question, as well as scope, elements, and refining the question.
7 videos (Total 73 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
7 videos
Lecture 2B: Deciding the Type and Scope of Your Question17m
Lecture 2C: Elements of the Question16m
Lecture 2D: Refining the Question10m
Lecture 2E: Some Examples8m
Lecture 2F: Analytic Frameworks10m
Betsy Becker, PhD2m
1 reading
Welcome to the first Peer Assignment!10m
1 practice exercise
Module 210m
Week
3Searching Principles and Bias Assessment
In this module we will look at finding the evidence, as well as key sources, search strategy, and assessing the risk of bias.
11 videos (Total 119 min), 2 quizzes
11 videos
Lecture 3A: Finding the Evidence: Searching Principles5m
Lecture 3B: Identifying Key Sources and Techniques for Searching17m
Lecture 3C: Building a High-Quality Search Strategy17m
Lecture 3D: Documenting Your Search and Conclusions8m
Lecture 4A: Why Bias in the Individual Study is Important to a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis7m
Lecture 4B: Selection Bias18m
Lecture 4C: Information Bias8m
Lecture 4D: Bias in the Analysis15m
Lecture 4E: Displaying Study "Quality" in Your Systematic Review16m
Byron Wallace, Phd2m
2 practice exercises
Module 310m
Module 410m
Week
4Minimizing Metabias, Qualitative Synthesis, and Interpreting Results
In this module, we will cover minimizing metabias, selection bias, information bias, how to report transparently, qualitative synthesis, and interpreting results.
9 videos (Total 88 min), 2 quizzes
9 videos
Lecture 5B: Selection Bias22m
Lecture 5C: Information Bias12m
Lecture 5D: Bias in the Analysis15m
Lecture 5E: Reporting Transparently6m
Lecture 6A: Qualitative Synthesis and Interpreting Results Section A7m
Lecture 6B: What is Qualitative Synthesis10m
Lecture 6C: Some Examples5m
Christopher Schmid, PhD1m
2 practice exercises
Module 510m
Module 610m
4.7
257 Reviews32%
started a new career after completing these courses
19%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Top Reviews
By MJ•Jan 8th 2019
Although introductory, I do carry out reviews as a researcher. I Learned a lot to improve my systematic reviews through this course. High quality, though the music could be a little less intense.
By KA•Feb 13th 2017
Incredible course! You learned a lot from these amazing professors. If you take this course you will know how to do a high quality systematic review and even a meta analysis and publish them.
Instructors
Tianjing Li, MD, MHS, PHD
Assistant Professor, EpidemiologyBloomberg School of Public Health
Kay Dickersin, PhD
Professor, EpidemiologyBloomberg School of Public Health
About Johns Hopkins University
The mission of The Johns Hopkins University is to educate its students and cultivate their capacity for life-long learning, to foster independent and original research, and to bring the benefits of discovery to the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
Is financial aid available?
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
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