Syllabus

Systematic Review, Meta-Synthesis and Meta-Analysis

Code
FHV0002
Points
7.5 Credits
Level
Third Cycle
School
School of Education, Health and Social Studies
Subject field
Care Sciences (VÅRDVETS)
Approved
Approved, 28 March 2018.
This syllabus is valid from 28 March 2018.
Revised
Revised, 28 September 2022.
Revision is valid from 28 September 2022.
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Learning Outcomes

The overarching aim is to provide knowledge on the methodologies and appraisal of quantitative, qualitative and integrative/mixed-methods systematic reviews. 

On course completion, the doctoral student should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
• demonstrate knowledge about the purpose and value of conducting systematic reviews
• demonstrate knowledge about systematic review methodology which includes identifying scientific literature, quality appraisal, synthesizing data and assessment of review findings
• explain the possibilities, challenges, and limitations of systematic reviews and how they can be used to inform clinical practice, policy and future research

Competence and Skills
• construct and undertake a pilot search of a relevant search strategy for an intended review question(s)
• identify appropriate databases for literature searches
• apply systematic review methodology to develop a protocol for a quantitative, qualitative or integrative (mixed-methods) systematic review

Judgement and Approach
• formulate a research aim and question(s) suitable for a systematic review
• present and defend own protocol for a systematic review
• appraise and critique other students work

Course Content

This course will provide an overview of evidence synthesis and positioning of systematic review methodology, including philosophical perspectives and the use of systematic reviews to inform policy and practice. During the course students will develop appropriate research aims and questions for systematic reviews. Key methods and sources for systematic searches of published and unpublished material, and appropriate tools for data extraction will be covered. Students will develop knowledge into different perspectives concerning quality appraisal and frameworks for assessing quantitative and qualitative studies. The course will also cover how to analyse and synthesise quantitative (e.g., meta analysis) and/or qualitative (e.g., meta synthesis) data and how to evaluate systematic review findings using GRADE and CERQual. At the end of the course students will be expected to present a systematic review protocol, relevant to their own PhD/research projects.

Assessment

Assessment of student work will be undertaken through written assignments and presentations at seminars. Peer-to-peer evaluations of other students’ work will also form part of the assessment. 

Forms of Study

The course will combine recorded lectures, face-to-face seminars, written assignments and oral presentation and discussions. 

Grades

The Swedish grades U–G.

In order to pass the course, the student needs to pass all assessment methods.

Prerequisites

  • Eligible students are those who fulfil the general requirements for PhD studies. Students must be familiar with the basics of qualitative and quantitative research before joining the course.

Other Information

The course is delivered online in English.