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.

Learning will be assessed through a written exam consisting of questions on the theoretical and methodological content covered during the course. The exam will include multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, and short-answer open questions.

Specifically, the exam will assess:
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles and main stages of a systematic review and meta-analysis;
- The ability to recognize and distinguish the key methodological elements of a systematic review;
- The ability to apply acquired knowledge to define a research question, eligibility criteria, and the main features of a review protocol;
- The ability to identify major methodological issues related to study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and result synthesis.

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.