Ateneo - UPO

The course provides the fundamental theoretical and methodological knowledge for designing and conducting systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses. It will cover the principles of systematic reviews, formulating research questions, defining eligibility criteria, literature searching, study selection, data extraction, assessing the risk of bias, and the main methodological aspects of meta-analysis. The practical portion will focus on designing a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol, with particular emphasis on formulating the research question, defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, and planning the main stages of the review.

Course materials provided during lectures and uploaded to the course DIR page.

This course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and methodological tools necessary to understand the core principles of systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses, and to apply them to the design of a systematic review.

By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the main stages of a systematic review and meta-analysis, critically evaluate their fundamental methodological aspects, and contribute to drafting a structured protocol consistent with the research question.

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Lectures aim to present the main theoretical and methodological concepts related to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, with a focus on formulating the research question, defining eligibility criteria, literature search and study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and the principles of quantitative synthesis.

The 4 hours of practical sessions involve the active participation of students in designing and drafting a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Guided by the instructor, this activity focuses on applying the methodological concepts learned during lectures, fostering the ability to put knowledge into practice, make reasoned methodological choices, and work critically and independently.

Student meetings with the lecturer of the Course are subject to prior appointment agreed via e-mail.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti- disabili-e-dsa

Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Examination and assessment methods

The written examination will be a DIR-based examination worth a total of 64 points, corresponding to a maximum of 32 points in the final grade. It will assess both theoretical knowledge and the practical application of the concepts and methods covered in the course, including statistical analyses and procedures.

The 64 points will be distributed across the three modules as follows:

* Statistics: 32 points;
* Epidemiology: 16 points;
* Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis: 16 points.

Questions may include text-response questions, numerical-response questions, multiple-choice questions (single best option), true/false questions, or combinations of these formats. Questions may carry different weights depending on their difficulty and complexity.

The examination will last 120 minutes. Students may return to previously answered or unanswered questions at any time during the examination.

The examination will be graded on a 32-point scale. The minimum passing score is 18/32, while 31–32/32 corresponds to 30/30 cum laude. Unanswered questions receive zero points. Incorrect answers to questions with predefined answer options may incur a penalty equal to 1/(n−1) of the value assigned to the question, where n is the number of answer options. For example, for a question worth 4 points with five answer options, an incorrect answer would result in a 1 point deduction. No penalty applies to incorrect numerical-response questions.

Students may use a calculator and blank sheets of paper provided by the lecturers for calculations. Only the paper provided during the examination may be used for writing or calculations. Personal notes, formula sheets, textbooks, and other reference materials are not permitted. Where necessary, supporting materials, such as formulae or R code, may be provided within the examination.

Additional oral assessment

Before the grade is finalized, the lecturers may require an additional oral examination to further assess the student’s knowledge and understanding. The oral examination may only be initiated by the lecturers and cannot be requested by students to improve their grade. Its outcome may confirm or modify the written examination grade, either upward or downward, including below the minimum passing threshold.

Examination accommodations

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), or Special Educational Needs (SENs) may request appropriate support according to University procedures. After contacting the relevant University service, students may contact the course instructor to arrange appropriate examination accommodations.

Examination environment and permitted devices

The examination will take place in a university computer laboratory using the DIR platform and Safe Exam Browser (SEB), which restricts access to unauthorized applications, websites, and computer functions.

The examination is an individual assessment. Communication with others and the use of unauthorized materials or devices are prohibited. Smartphones, smartwatches, earphones/headphones, and similar devices must be switched off and stored away for the entire examination. Lecturers may use appropriate means to detect unauthorized electronic devices, in accordance with University procedures and applicable regulations.

1. Introduction to systematic reviews

Definition and characteristics of systematic reviews.
Differences between narrative reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
Rationale and main objectives of systematic reviews.
Key stages of a systematic review.

2. Formulating the research question

Identifying the research question.
Defining population, intervention/exposure, comparator, and outcomes.
Defining inclusion and exclusion criteria.

3. Study search and selection

Principles of systematic literature searching.
Identifying key bibliographic sources.
Search strategies and the use of keywords and controlled vocabulary.
Screening and study selection process.
Reporting and visualizing the study selection process.

4. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment

Defining variables to be extracted.
Data organization and management.
Risk of bias assessment of included studies.
Key tools and approaches for assessing risk of bias.

5. Meta-analysis and quantitative synthesis

Rationale for meta-analysis.
Effect measures.
Principles of combining quantitative results.
Inter-study heterogeneity.
Interpreting meta-analysis results and key graphical representations.

6. Practical Session: Drafting a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol.

Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- describe the principles and characteristics of systematic reviews and meta-analyses;
- recognize and describe the main stages of the systematic review process;
- understand the principles underlying the formulation of a research question;
- understand the principles of systematic literature searching, study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment;
- understand the key methodological concepts underlying meta-analysis, including effect measures and heterogeneity.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- formulate a structured research question for a systematic review;
- define inclusion and exclusion criteria consistent with the research question;
- identify the main information required for study selection and data extraction;
- outline the key sections of a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol;
- apply the main methodological principles acquired to the design of a systematic review.

Making Judgements

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- recognize key methodological issues in the design of a systematic review;
- make methodological choices consistent with the research question and justify them based on the principles learned;
- critically evaluate the methodological rigor of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the literature.

Communication Skills

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- describe in a clear and structured manner the rationale, research question, and key methodological choices of a systematic review and meta-analysis;
- use basic methodological terminology related to systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Learning Skills

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- identify and use appropriate methodological resources to independently further their knowledge on the main stages of designing and conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.