Course: Defining the scope and identifying studies for systematic reviews of interventions

This short course shows learners how to define the scope of a systematic review then search for and select studies.

There are template materials to help you organise and evaluate your training, together with three teaching sessions. We estimate that the course will take approximately one full day to deliver (around 6 hours of learning time).

An overview of the course is provided below. You can download all the materials in the 'course pack' at the bottom of the page.

 

Course organisation and evaluation

Templates

Our editable resources are available to download in our course pack above. They include:

Documents

  • Timetable template
  • Evaluation forms

Presentations

  • Course introduction 
  • Course wrap-up 
Top tips

Tailor the timetable to your audience and course format. Timings are a guide only and will vary according to selected content, class size and learner needs.  

The estimated durations for each session are based on delivery of the core training materials only. Presenting any of the additional resources listed (for example, animations) could increase the overall session length. 

Ensure plenty of breaks throughout the day - for ideas see our timetable template. Note that online courses may be best delivered over multiple shorter days.  

See our 'good practice guide' for trainers [INSERT URL] for general training guidance.

Teaching sessions

Day 1

Defining the review question and eligibility

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, learners will be able to:

  • Plan the review scope by considering key factors such as importance, health equity and feasibility 
  • Write a well-defined systematic review question using PICO elements 
  • Design eligibility criteria to address your review question 

Duration 

The core training for this session takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes in total (estimate). This includes:

  • Presentation: 1 hour (45 minutes delivery, 15 minutes Q&A)
  • Activity: 45 minutes (35 minutes exercise, 10 minutes feedback)

Note: Timings are a guide. Adjust them to suit your selected content and audience.

More information about the session  

Searching for studies

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, learners will be able to:

  • Recognise the key components of a database search strategy, including the use of PICO elements, text words, controlled vocabulary, and Boolean operators. 
  • Design a basic database search strategy 
  • Identify key sources to search when conducting a systematic review 
  • Document the process and results of a literature search performed for a systematic review

Duration 

The core training for this session takes approximately 2 hours in total (estimate). This includes:

  • Presentation: 1 hour 20 minutes (60 minutes delivery, 20 minutes Q&A)
  • Activity 1 - Search Terms: 30 minutes (20 minutes exercise, 10 minutes feedback)

Allow extra time for this second activity if you want to offer further practice:

  • Optional activity 2 - Searching the Cochrane Library:  - 45 minutes (35 minutes exercise, 10 minutes feedback)

Note: Timings are a guide. Adjust them to suit your selected content and audience.

More information about the session  

Selecting studies

By the end of this session, you will be able to: 

  1. Recall the key steps involved in screening studies for eligibility in a systematic review 
  2. Choose tools to support efficient study selection 
  3. Select studies using pre-defined eligibility criteria 
  4. Document the study selection process

Recommended duration: 2-3 hours + 1 hour lunch.

Note: Timings are a guide. Adjust them to suit your selected content and audience.

More information about the session  

 

Download a zip file of all the materials for this course using the button below. 

Download the course pack