NCDDR s Web-based instruction on conducting systematic reviews of evidence-based disability and rehabilitation research

Article type
Authors
Starks J1
1Disability Research to Practice, SEDL, Austin, Texas, United States
Abstract
Background: The National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) has twice offered a Web-based distance education course on Conducting Systematic Reviews of Evidence-Based Disability and Rehabilitation Research. The course teaches teams of researchers the steps in the systematic review process as implemented by the Campbell and Cochrane Collaborations. A first cohort participated from September 2007-April 2008; the second runs from September 2009 to November 2010. Instructors include colleagues from the Campbell Collaboration (C2) Education Coordinating Group (ECG). Participants are taught the rationale and processes of intervention research and systematic reviews as the foundation for informed clinical practice and evidence-based decision-making in disability and rehabilitation and related fields. Other skills taught include techniques to manage data collected through the systematic review process, and analytical skills to assess the quality of evidence in published and unpublished research. Description: The session will describe the recruitment, organization and instruction provided to the second cohort. The course was designed for teams of upper-level graduate students, post-docs, early career and experience researchers. It is offered at no cost to participants, and the NCDDR asked that all team members commit to participating in all activities and to developing a systematic review. The format combines lecture, group projects, and individual assignments. The NCDDR implemented a competitive process to identify 4 teams that receive tailored consultation throughout the course. The instructors work with the teams to develop and submit their title registration, protocol, and final reviews to the Disability Subgroup of the C2-ECG. Six other teams also applied and continue to audit the course. Lectures are delivered in interactive 90-minuteWeb-based sessions utilizing interactive software (each session is also recorded). Each course module examines a step in the systematic review process. Teleconferences and email exchange are incorporated between sessions. Outcomes: The session will describe results from both cohorts. In the current course, the teams selected for the intensive support will receive a modest stipend from NCDDR upon approval of the title, protocol, and final review. As of March 2010, two titles have been approved, two are in stages of final approval, and two protocols are under review. One team from the first cohort completed a systematic review that is awaiting approval from the Editorial team of the ECG.