Introduction to Evidence Reviews

Sessions and Times

Two sessions, 09:00 to 13:00.

Overview

Policy-makers, practitioners and researchers want to have access to the best possible evidence to inform decisions and choices and evidence reviews can provide this but it’s important to choose the appropriate review method for the aims of the study. This course will introduce rigorous evidence reviewing methods, including systematic reviews, rapid evidence assessments, rapid reviews, scoping reviews, evidence maps and literature reviews.  Participants will explore the usefulness of review methods, their similarities and differences, strengths and limitations, and be guided through the key review stages, search, screening, data extraction and data synthesis.  The course includes practical sessions and tips for how to design evidence reviews appropriate for different policy questions, timescales and budgets.

Topics Covered

  • Systematic review
  • Rapid evidence assessment
  • Rapid review
  • Scoping review
  • Evidence maps
  • Literature reviews
  • Searching
  • Screening
  • Data extraction
  • Quality appraisal
  • Data synthesis

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

  • understand the differences between the different types of reviews, their key features, strengths and limitations.
  • be able to formulate appropriate review questions for policy clients.
  • understand the importance of having a clear and succinct review protocol and know how to put it together.
  • know how to locate relevant studies (e.g. through searching and screening).
  • be able to extract relevant and appropriate data from sources in responding to reviews aims.
  • be able to assess and critique the quality and content of sources/evidence (e.g. weight of evidence).
  • be clear on the key principles of data synthesis.

Target Audience

Researchers and research commissioners in need of a refresher or who are new to evidence reviews with no prior knowledge of these methods.

Cost

This course is currently only available for in-house delivery, for further information and rates please contact us on natcenlearning@natcen.ac.uk.