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Abstract
Introduction: The Systematic Reviews Training Unit (SRTU) has four main aims: to provide basic training in the conduct of systematic reviews; to offer advanced training and secondments for experienced reviewers; to act as a resource centre for colleagues carrying out reviews; and to develop the methodology for systematic reviews, especially those incorporating observational data. In addition members of the SRTU are actively engaged in the conduct of systematic reviews under the auspices of the Cochrane Collaboration and the NHS Centre for Reviews & Dissemination in York. The SRTU is funded by the NHS research and development programme and employs a part-time director (epidemiologist), a full-time administrator/information officer, and two lecturers (one statistician and one systematic reviewer). Training is supplemented by two epidemiologists (who also act as co-directors), a librarian (1 day/week) with specific expertise in search strategies and other members of the medical school.
Methods: The aim of the course is to enable trainees to carry out a competent systematic review on a topic of their choice and of relevance to the health service. The course is part time and runs annually for 1 year. One day a week is devoted to classroom learning covering five core modules: 1) principles of epidemiology and decision analysis; 2) critical appraisal of literature; 3) systematic review strategies; 4) databases and search methods; 5) statistical methods for meta-analysis. The course uses small group methods, is limited to a maximum of 10 students, and encourages students to share knowledge and experiences. Students receive a diploma in systematic reviews methods. Current trainees comprise a consultant physician in palliative care, a public health dentist, a senior lecturer in primary care, and a hospital research coordinator. The wide range of backgrounds and prior skills has proved both stimulating and advantageous for trainees and trainers alike.
Results/Discussion: The course, protocols and the reviews conducted are evaluated by the trainees, the trainers and by an independent national steering group which meets regularly to review progress. Details of the process of training a student to progress from the 'problem' to the question, protocol, systematic review, and dissemination will be presented.
Methods: The aim of the course is to enable trainees to carry out a competent systematic review on a topic of their choice and of relevance to the health service. The course is part time and runs annually for 1 year. One day a week is devoted to classroom learning covering five core modules: 1) principles of epidemiology and decision analysis; 2) critical appraisal of literature; 3) systematic review strategies; 4) databases and search methods; 5) statistical methods for meta-analysis. The course uses small group methods, is limited to a maximum of 10 students, and encourages students to share knowledge and experiences. Students receive a diploma in systematic reviews methods. Current trainees comprise a consultant physician in palliative care, a public health dentist, a senior lecturer in primary care, and a hospital research coordinator. The wide range of backgrounds and prior skills has proved both stimulating and advantageous for trainees and trainers alike.
Results/Discussion: The course, protocols and the reviews conducted are evaluated by the trainees, the trainers and by an independent national steering group which meets regularly to review progress. Details of the process of training a student to progress from the 'problem' to the question, protocol, systematic review, and dissemination will be presented.