Introduction to Systematic Reviews (Online)

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This workshop will be held over four mornings and provides authors, at the beginning of the systematic review process, with a clear understanding of how systematic reviews of the effects of interventions are planned and conducted. It offers an insight into the development of a protocol, introducing participants to methodology, search methods, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis. While the focus is on systematic reviews of the effects of interventions, the principles discussed are likely to be useful to inform steps and approaches in other types of reviews.

Date: 5th, 6th, 12th & 13th November 2026

Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm

Places: 25 available for individuals who are resident on the island of Ireland

Fee: General €150; Student €80

Skill level: Introductory

Target Audience: Healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, policy makers and other decision makers, and Evidence Synthesis Ireland fellows who have identified a systematic review of effects of interventions topic and are ready to begin working on their protocol.

Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of health research. Interested in learning more on the methods of a systematic review of effects of interventions.

Teaching strategies: The workshop will consist of a mixture of short presentations led by members of the Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland teaching faculty, covering each of the stages of developing a systematic review protocol, small group activities and plenary discussions, providing participants with the opportunity to develop and refine their protocol. Although focusing on systematic reviews of the effects of interventions, the principles are likely to apply to other review types. This course will include blended learning with two months free access to Cochrane Interactive Learning self-directed learning modules, a number of which will be required study prior to the workshop.

Facilitators

Ciara Gleeson, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Respiratory Assessment Unit, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin

Dr KM Saif-Ur-Rahman, Evidence Synthesis Methods Lead, Evidence Synthesis Ireland & Senior Research Fellow, University of Galway

Dr Elayne Ahern, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick

*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at esi@universityofgalway.ie