Identifying eligible studies for a Cochrane review— a short course with teaching sessions about searching for and selecting studies
Content includes three teaching sessions and template materials with editable timetables, introduction presentations, closing presentations and evaluations forms. Each day assumes approximately 6 hours of learning.
The overview of the course is provided below. If you want to download a zip file with all the materials for this course click 'Download the course pack' button 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 will vary according to class size and learner needs, whereas online courses may be best delivered over multiple shorter days.
Ensure plenty of breaks - for ideas see our timetable template
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.
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 to 2 hours 30 in total (estimate). This includes:
- Presentation: 1 hour 15 minutes (50 minutes delivery, 20 minutes Q&A)
- Activity 1 - Search Terms: 30 minutes (20 minutes exercise, 10 minutes feedback)
- 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.
Day 2
Selecting studies
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
- Recall the key steps involved in screening studies for eligibility in a systematic review
- Choose tools to support efficient study selection
- Select studies using pre-defined eligibility criteria
- Document the study selection process
Recommended duration: 2-3 hours + 1 hour lunch.
Download all materials for the session [URL} OR view the teaching session [URL].