Evidence-based decision-making requires a systematic review and appraisal of the currently available evidence. Systematic reviews as part of grant applications, clinical trial publications in high-impact journals, and ethical approvals do not just improve the chances of acceptance but are often a prerequisite.

This course offers a theoretical introduction to literature search methods, systematic review processes, and the conduct and interpretation of meta-analyses as well as practical hands-on training using a real-world example. We focus on methods for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Microsoft Word, Excel, and EndNote will be used.

The course will enable participants to apply the knowledge and skills required to undertake the first steps of literature searching, systematic reviewing, and meta-analyzing.

• Literature searching: Participants will learn about information sources, become familiar with the concept of developing a research question, and learn to develop, conduct, and document basic literature searches.
• Systematic reviewing: Participants will understand the role of systematic reviews in improving healthcare practice, understand and perform different systematic reviewing steps including screening, critical appraisal of RCT evidence, and data extraction.
• Meta-analyzing: Participants will get a basic understanding of central methods of synthesizing the extracted data in meta-analyses, and learn to describe and interpret the results.

Rather than doing each step in an isolated way, participants will experience first-hand how literature searching, screening, extraction, appraisal, statistics, and writing blend into each other.

Max. 16 participants

Preference is given to those registered to the GSMHS or former PPHS.

External participants are welcome after paying fees.

• PD Dr. Christian Appenzeller-Herzog, Medical Information Specialist, University Medical Library Basel
• Dr. Thomas Fürst, Information Specialist, University Medical Library Basel
• PD Dr. med. Dr. phil. Stefan Schandelmaier, senior scientist at the Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Basel and lecturer in clinical trials at University College Cork, Ireland
• Dr. Soheila Aghlmandi, biostatistician at Paediatric Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Basel (UKBB).

The workload is distributed over 3 weeks, totaling 30 working hours.

• Pre-course work includes introductory videos, quizzes, reading material and a board for questions and answers. The preparation with the provided material is obligatory to be able to follow the course (approx. 10 hours).
• Course days: On-site (approx. 16h)
• Optional assignment: Mini-systematic review (approx. 25 hours)

Credits: 1 ECTS and 1 optional ECTS for a written assignment. Learning contract required.