december 2023
To register, click here This 40-minute online training session, hosted by Evidence Synthesis Ireland and presented by Julie Glanville, will teach participants techniques for effectively searching
To register, click here
This 40-minute online training session, hosted by Evidence Synthesis Ireland and presented by Julie Glanville, will teach participants techniques for effectively searching PubMed. Julie will explain how to find and use Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and will demonstrate restricting searches to specific fields, truncation for searching word variations, phrase searching for multi-word concepts, the new proximity searching feature, creating saved searches, and exporting results. The final 20 minutes will be a question and answer session where participants can ask about any other PubMed search techniques they are interested in learning. Overall, the webinar aims to equip attendees with core skills for searching the PubMed database effectively.
Julie Glanville is a qualified librarian who has worked in systematic reviews for 30 years and is currently an independent consultant focusing on information retrieval for systematic reviews. Julie is a co-manager of SuRe Info and the ISSG Search Filter Resource. From 2008 to June 2020, Julie was Associate Director of York Health Economics Consortium (YHEC) and coordinated its information and review services. Previously, Julie was Associate Director and Information Service Manager at the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD), University of York, for fourteen years. Julie is a co-convenor of the Cochrane Information Retrieval Methods Group and a co-author of the Cochrane Handbook chapter on searching for evidence.
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(Tuesday) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm UTC
ONLINE
january 2024
To register, click here Realist synthesis occupies a misty research hinterland somewhere between systematic reviews and the much-maligned narrative review. Critics often focus on the “…and
To register, click here
Realist synthesis occupies a misty research hinterland somewhere between systematic reviews and the much-maligned narrative review. Critics often focus on the “…and then the magic happens” approach that challenges the orthodoxy of systematic reviews. Can a realist synthesis be “systematic” without aspiring to be a systematic review? Where does realist review sit within a toolbox of review approaches that provide useful and useable answers to practitioners and policy makers? To what extent is it possible to use systematic approaches to theory generation and searching? How do you document the iterative process and “forays” into the literature that pursuit of explanations for what works for whom under what circumstances seems to require. Professor Andrew Booth, both a proponent and a critic of realist approaches will present a lively debate on what realist synthesis has to offer, what alternatives are available, and why, for certain researchers under certain circumstances they may actually be worth conducting!
Andrew Booth is Professor in Evidence Synthesis, Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR) – University of Sheffield and adjunct Professor – University of Limerick. He is co-convenor of the Cochrane Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group, a GRADE-CERQual core team member and a research associate of Evidence Synthesis Ireland/Cochrane Ireland. Andrew obtained his PhD from the University of Sheffield and has an MSc and Diploma in Librarianship (Distinction) from University of Wales, following a BA (First Class Hons). Andrew is a prolific trainer in qualitative and rapid reviews. As co-director of three evidence synthesis centres for UK National Institute for Health and Care Research he has conducted numerous realist syntheses focusing on searching for theory and for underpinning evidence. He is currently authoring the Realist Synthesis chapter for the Cochrane-Campbell Handbook of Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. In 2020 he collaborated with Evidence Synthesis Ireland to support the first Cochrane Rapid Qualitative Evidence Synthesis. His co-authored text Systematic Approaches for a Successful Literature Review is in its 3rd edition.
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(Thursday) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm UTC
ONLINE
Aim Our mission is to make evidence syntheses more usable in every sense of the word – better designed, conducted and reported, more useable for decision makers and
Aim
Our mission is to make evidence syntheses more usable in every sense of the word – better designed, conducted and reported, more useable for decision makers and more usable within health care policy and clinical practice decision making across the Island of Ireland and beyond.
Learning outcomes
Join us in this virtual meeting to:
Zoom link will be sent out through email in the days before the event
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(Thursday) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Irish Standard Time
ONLINE
Background: This series of workshops will provide reviewers, at the beginning of their journey in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) with a comprehensive overview of the methodology and
Background:
This series of workshops will provide reviewers, at the beginning of their journey in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) with a comprehensive overview of the methodology and methods including a Cochrane QES reviews. The series will offer insights into the development of a protocol, introducing participants to the methods of question generation, identification of included studies, data extraction and synthesis, the GRADECERQual assessment of confidence in the findings, and presentation the review for dissemination.
Aim:
The purpose of these workshops is to familarise all participants with the steps involved in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis.
We have designed these workshops as a companion series to allow attendees to apply what they have learned, enabling them to gain practical experience before progressing to the next stage of the process.
Objective:
The objectives of the workshops are intended to provide participants with an understanding of the methods of QES and equip them with the practical skills needed to conduct such a syntheses effectively.
Workshop 1: will provide an Introduction to QES, including overview. We will explore how you can focus your review question and search for qualitative evidence.
Workshop 2: will highlight the methods of screening and inclusion processes including selecting studies. We will demonstrate how data are extracted for a QES and a Quality Assessment is conducted.
Workshop 3: will delve into choosing a method of synthesis, and demonstrate how to synthesisinse qualitative data and present the findings
Workshop 4: we will illustrate the process of conducting an assessment of confidence in the findings of the QES using the GRADECERQual approach, and explore methods of writing up a review for dissemination.
Learning outcomes:
The learning outcomes for participants in this series should support them to:
Teaching strategies:
The workshops will consist of a mixture of short presentations and discussions led by members of the ESI Teaching Faculty, covering each of the methods of a QES. Breakout rooms will be used for small group activities based around worked examples and exercises. These activities will provide participants with the opportunity to discuss and develop their own skills and understanding. Participants will also be provided with a reading list and additional resources.
Places: 30 places available for individuals who are resident on the island of Ireland
Overall fee: General €120; Student €60
Skill level: Introductory
Prerequisites: Knowledge of qualitative research methodologies and methods
Target Audience:
Facilitators
Prof. Pauline Meskell, Head of Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick
Dr Linda Biesty, Associate Professor (Midwifery), University of Galway
*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at esi@universityofgalway.ie
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(Tuesday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
ONLINE
This workshop will be held over four mornings and provides authors, at the beginning of the systematic review process, with an in-depth understanding of how reviews are planned and conducted.
This workshop will be held over four mornings and provides authors, at the beginning of the systematic review process, with an in-depth understanding of how reviews are planned and conducted. It offers an insight to the development of a protocol, introducing participants to methodology, search methods, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis.
Date: 29th & 30th January, 8th & 9th February 2024
Time: 10.00 am – 1.00/1:30 pm
Places: 30 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, decision makers and Evidence Synthesis Ireland fellows who have identified a review 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.
Teaching strategies: The workshop will consist of a mixture of short presentations, led by members of the Cochrane Ireland & ESI 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. This course will include blended learning with two months free access to Cochrane Interactive Learning self-directed modules, a number of which will be required study prior to the workshop.
Facilitators
Prof. Declan Devane, Director of Evidence Synthesis Ireland & Cochrane Ireland, Professor of Health Research Methodology, University of Galway
Dr Julie Broderick, Assistant Professor in Physiotherapy, Trinity College Dublin
Ciara Gleeson, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Respiratory Assessment Unit, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin
*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at esi@universityofgalway.ie
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January 29 (Monday) 10:00 am - February 9 (Friday) 1:00 pm UTC
ONLINE
february 2024
This workshop will be held over four mornings and provides authors, at the beginning of the systematic review process, with an in-depth understanding of how reviews are planned and conducted.
This workshop will be held over four mornings and provides authors, at the beginning of the systematic review process, with an in-depth understanding of how reviews are planned and conducted. It offers an insight to the development of a protocol, introducing participants to methodology, search methods, data extraction, risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis.
Date: 29th & 30th January, 8th & 9th February 2024
Time: 10.00 am – 1.00/1:30 pm
Places: 30 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, decision makers and Evidence Synthesis Ireland fellows who have identified a review 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.
Teaching strategies: The workshop will consist of a mixture of short presentations, led by members of the Cochrane Ireland & ESI 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. This course will include blended learning with two months free access to Cochrane Interactive Learning self-directed modules, a number of which will be required study prior to the workshop.
Facilitators
Prof. Declan Devane, Director of Evidence Synthesis Ireland & Cochrane Ireland, Professor of Health Research Methodology, University of Galway
Dr Julie Broderick, Assistant Professor in Physiotherapy, Trinity College Dublin
Ciara Gleeson, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, Respiratory Assessment Unit, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin
*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at esi@universityofgalway.ie
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January 29 (Monday) 10:00 am - February 9 (Friday) 1:00 pm UTC
ONLINE
Background: This series of workshops will provide reviewers, at the beginning of their journey in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) with a comprehensive overview of the methodology and
Background:
This series of workshops will provide reviewers, at the beginning of their journey in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) with a comprehensive overview of the methodology and methods including a Cochrane QES reviews. The series will offer insights into the development of a protocol, introducing participants to the methods of question generation, identification of included studies, data extraction and synthesis, the GRADECERQual assessment of confidence in the findings, and presentation the review for dissemination.
Aim:
The purpose of these workshops is to familarise all participants with the steps involved in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis.
We have designed these workshops as a companion series to allow attendees to apply what they have learned, enabling them to gain practical experience before progressing to the next stage of the process.
Objective:
The objectives of the workshops are intended to provide participants with an understanding of the methods of QES and equip them with the practical skills needed to conduct such a syntheses effectively.
Workshop 1: will provide an Introduction to QES, including overview. We will explore how you can focus your review question and search for qualitative evidence.
Workshop 2: will highlight the methods of screening and inclusion processes including selecting studies. We will demonstrate how data are extracted for a QES and a Quality Assessment is conducted.
Workshop 3: will delve into choosing a method of synthesis, and demonstrate how to synthesisinse qualitative data and present the findings
Workshop 4: we will illustrate the process of conducting an assessment of confidence in the findings of the QES using the GRADECERQual approach, and explore methods of writing up a review for dissemination.
Learning outcomes:
The learning outcomes for participants in this series should support them to:
Teaching strategies:
The workshops will consist of a mixture of short presentations and discussions led by members of the ESI Teaching Faculty, covering each of the methods of a QES. Breakout rooms will be used for small group activities based around worked examples and exercises. These activities will provide participants with the opportunity to discuss and develop their own skills and understanding. Participants will also be provided with a reading list and additional resources.
Places: 30 places available for individuals who are resident on the island of Ireland
Overall fee: General €120; Student €60
Skill level: Introductory
Prerequisites: Knowledge of qualitative research methodologies and methods
Target Audience:
Facilitators
Prof. Pauline Meskell, Head of Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick
Dr Linda Biesty, Associate Professor (Midwifery), University of Galway
*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at esi@universityofgalway.ie
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(Tuesday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
ONLINE
To register, click here In this webinar we will introduce the Cochrane Qualitative Methodological limitations Tool (CAMELOT). We will discuss how it was developed and go
To register, click here
In this webinar we will introduce the Cochrane Qualitative Methodological limitations Tool (CAMELOT). We will discuss how it was developed and go through a short example of how it can be applied.
Heather Menzies Munthe-Kaas, Dr.Philos, is a researcher at Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. She is co-founder of the GRADE-CERQual approach and the TRANSFER approach. She has been conducting systematic reviews of effectiveness and qualitative evidence syntheses for more than ten years. Her research interests focus on using user-centred design approaches to develop methods and tools to improve the usefulness, relevance and usability of systematic review findings and improve public participation and stakeholder representation in evidence-informed decision-making processes.
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(Thursday) 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
ONLINE
march 2024
05mar10:00 am12:00 pmROBINS-I Workshop10:00 am - 12:00 pm ONLINE
Background: As evidence synthesis research questions become more complex, different types of evidence needs to be incorporated into systematic reviews to answer such questions. ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In
Background:
As evidence synthesis research questions become more complex, different types of evidence needs to be incorporated into systematic reviews to answer such questions. ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies of Interventions) is a tool for critically appraising non-randomised study designs assessing the efficacy of interventions. This tool is becoming more commonly used in Cochrane reviews.
Aim:
To give the participants a basic understanding of the fundamentals of ROBINS-I and how to apply it in the conduct of a systematic review.
Learning outcomes:
In this course participants will be enabled to:
Places: 20 places available for individuals who are resident on the island of Ireland
Fee: General €50; Student €25
Skill level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Knowledge of study designs, evidence synthesis methods and Cochrane reviews
Target Audience:
Facilitators
Leslie Choi, Evidence Synthesis Development Editor, Cochrane Central Executive Team
Dr Kerry Dwan, Senior Lecturer in Evidence Synthesis, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Course content
10:00 – 10:30: Planning of ROBINS-I and overview of domains
10:30 – 10:40: Reporting guidance of ROBINS-I in the planning stage for a protocol of a Cochrane review
10:40 – 11:25: Exercise – Applying ROBINS-I to a study included in existing Cochrane review
11:25 – 11:40: Exercise feedback
11:40 – 11:55: Reporting results in review
11:55 – 12:00: Q&A + roundup
*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at esi@universityofgalway.ie
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(Tuesday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
ONLINE
Background: Rapid reviews are a time-sensitive and efficient approach to evidence synthesis used in healthcare decision-making. As the demand for timely and reliable evidence increases, traditional systematic reviews may
Background:
Rapid reviews are a time-sensitive and efficient approach to evidence synthesis used in healthcare decision-making. As the demand for timely and reliable evidence increases, traditional systematic reviews may not always be feasible due to their resource-intensive and lengthy nature. Although rapid reviews may not offer the same level of comprehensiveness as systematic reviews, they provide valuable insights to inform decision-makers in time-critical situations, offering a balanced approach between timeliness and quality of evidence. As the demand for rapid and relevant evidence continues to grow, the adoption of rapid reviews has become increasingly prevalent in healthcare research and policy domains.
Understanding how to conduct rapid reviews following best practices is essential for ensuring the reliability and relevance of the evidence synthesized. The Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group has been a pioneering force in the development of rigorous rapid review methodologies. They aim to disseminate their guidance and expertise to researchers, policymakers, and decision-makers interested in utilizing evidence-informed rapid review methods. By adhering to these robust practices, stakeholders can efficiently produce evidence that is timely, trustworthy, and aligned with the needs of healthcare decision-making. Embracing this evidence synthesis approach will contribute to more informed and evidence-based decision-making in urgent and time-sensitive healthcare contexts, ultimately improving patient care and health outcomes.
Aim:
To provide an introduction to rapid review methods for interventions of effectiveness following the updated Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Guidance.
Objectives:
To equip participants with the knowledge to conduct efficient and high-quality rapid reviews. Based on updated guidance developed by the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group, participants will learn various strategies to accelerate evidence synthesis, optimize team composition, and tips for present findings in a concise and impactful manner to decision-makers.
Learning outcomes:
Upon completing this course, participants will gain the following skills:
These learning outcomes will help participants develop a comprehensive understanding of rapid reviews and equip them with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to conduct them effectively in the healthcare decision-making context.
Teaching Strategies:
The workshop will consist of a mixture of short presentations and practical exercises/ breakout group discussions.
Places: 30 places available for individuals who are resident on the island of Ireland
Fee: General €50; Student €25
Skill level: Introductory
Prerequisites: Some experience with systematic reviews
Target Audience:
Healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, decision makers, librarians, information specialists, and Evidence Synthesis Ireland fellows and teaching faculty who would like to learn more about rapid reviews.
Facilitators
Dr Chantelle Garritty, Co-Convener Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group; Manager, Global Health and Guidelines Division, Public Health Agency of Canada; Adjunct Professor, School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa Cochrane Central Executive Team
Dr Barbara Nussbaumer-Streit, Co-Director Cochrane Austria, University for Continuing Education Krems, Austria; Co-Convenor Rapid Reviews Methods Group
Dr Candyce Hamel, Senior Epidemiologist, Canadian Association of Radiologists
Dr Ursula Griebler, Senior research associate at the Department for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, University for Continuing Education Krems, Austria; Associate Convenor Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group
Irma Klerings, Information Specialist at the Department for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation and Cochrane Austria, both at University for Continuing Education Krems, Austria; Co-convenor of the Cochrane Information Specialists’ Executive
Course content
*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at esi@universityofgalway.ie
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(Wednesday) 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
ONLINE
To register, click here This webinar will present an overview of the living systematic review of the problems with systematic reviews (
To register, click here
This webinar will present an overview of the living systematic review of the problems with systematic reviews (www.systematicreviewlution.com) including its aim, methods and findings. Recent observations about the current update to the review will also be discussed. The underlying reasons that are likely contributing to the problems identified will be discussed as well potential solutions and recommendations.
Reference : Uttley, L., Quintana, D. S., Montgomery, P., Carroll, C., Page, M. J., Falzon, L., … & Moher, D. (2023). The problems with systematic reviews: a living systematic review. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology.
Dr Lesley Uttley is Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, working in the field of meta-meta-meta research methodology. Following an educational background in Psychology and 10+ years working as a systematic reviewer, Lesley was awarded a fellowship to investigate the reliability and validity of published systematic reviews by the UK Medical Research Council in 2019. The research aims to scrutinise and uphold systematic reviews and also to consider how human influences and research culture impact seemingly objective research projects.
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(Thursday) 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm UTC
ONLINE
Background: This series of workshops will provide reviewers, at the beginning of their journey in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) with a comprehensive overview of the methodology and
Background:
This series of workshops will provide reviewers, at the beginning of their journey in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) with a comprehensive overview of the methodology and methods including a Cochrane QES reviews. The series will offer insights into the development of a protocol, introducing participants to the methods of question generation, identification of included studies, data extraction and synthesis, the GRADECERQual assessment of confidence in the findings, and presentation the review for dissemination.
Aim:
The purpose of these workshops is to familarise all participants with the steps involved in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis.
We have designed these workshops as a companion series to allow attendees to apply what they have learned, enabling them to gain practical experience before progressing to the next stage of the process.
Objective:
The objectives of the workshops are intended to provide participants with an understanding of the methods of QES and equip them with the practical skills needed to conduct such a syntheses effectively.
Workshop 1: will provide an Introduction to QES, including overview. We will explore how you can focus your review question and search for qualitative evidence.
Workshop 2: will highlight the methods of screening and inclusion processes including selecting studies. We will demonstrate how data are extracted for a QES and a Quality Assessment is conducted.
Workshop 3: will delve into choosing a method of synthesis, and demonstrate how to synthesisinse qualitative data and present the findings
Workshop 4: we will illustrate the process of conducting an assessment of confidence in the findings of the QES using the GRADECERQual approach, and explore methods of writing up a review for dissemination.
Learning outcomes:
The learning outcomes for participants in this series should support them to:
Teaching strategies:
The workshops will consist of a mixture of short presentations and discussions led by members of the ESI Teaching Faculty, covering each of the methods of a QES. Breakout rooms will be used for small group activities based around worked examples and exercises. These activities will provide participants with the opportunity to discuss and develop their own skills and understanding. Participants will also be provided with a reading list and additional resources.
Places: 30 places available for individuals who are resident on the island of Ireland
Overall fee: General €120; Student €60
Skill level: Introductory
Prerequisites: Knowledge of qualitative research methodologies and methods
Target Audience:
Facilitators
Prof. Pauline Meskell, Head of Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick
Dr Linda Biesty, Associate Professor (Midwifery), University of Galway
*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at esi@universityofgalway.ie
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(Tuesday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
ONLINE
april 2024
Date: 12th April 2024 Time: 12:45 – 15:45 Location: Lecture Theatres, Medical & Dental Education & Training (MedEdWest) Altnagelvin Hospital Fee: Free Skill Level: Introductory Target Audience: Healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, decision makers, librarians, information
Date: 12th April 2024
Time: 12:45 – 15:45
Location: Lecture Theatres, Medical & Dental Education & Training (MedEdWest) Altnagelvin Hospital
Fee: Free
Skill Level: Introductory
Target Audience: Healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, decision makers, librarians, information specialists, and Evidence Synthesis Ireland fellows and teaching faculty who would like to learn more about systematic reviews and other evidence syntheses
Background:
Health care policy and practice decisions should be based on a synthesis of the global body of evidence rather than relying on individual studies. High quality, relevant systematic reviews and other synthesised research evidence are fundamental to evidence-based healthcare policy and practice.
Aim:
This workshop introduces systematic reviews and describes why they are an important source of evidence. The focus of the workshop will be on outlining the process of designing a systematic review and the steps in conducting a systematic review.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this workshop, participants will:
• Understand what systematic reviews are and why they are important
• Be able to identify the elements of a well-defined question for a systematic review
• Understand the steps of a systematic review
Teaching Strategies:
The workshop will consist of a mixture of short presentations and question and answer sessions.
Facilitators:
Prof. Bronagh Blackwood
Chair in Critical Care and NI lead for Evidence Synthesis Ireland
Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine
Queen’s University Belfast
Dr Jennifer McGaughey
Affiliate to ESI
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(Friday) 12:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Lecture Theatre, Medical & Dental Education & Training (MedEdWest)
Altnaglevin Hospital, Glenshane Rd, BT47 6SB
This workshop will lead attendees through the complete process of guideline development with GRADE using a concrete example, starting with the selection of a relevant PICO question and ending with
This workshop will lead attendees through the complete process of guideline development with GRADE using a concrete example, starting with the selection of a relevant PICO question and ending with the formulation of a recommendation. The GRADEpro GDT software is used for this purpose. The thematic focus is on assessing the certainty of the underlying evidence as well as the strength of the recommendation. In lectures, we introduce GRADE and explain its use with examples.
Attendees will be enabled to:
Dates: 18th & 19th April
Time: 10:00 – 16:00
Places: 25 available for individuals who are resident in Ireland & Northern Ireland
Location: University of Galway
Prices: General €250; Student €140
Prerequisites: Knowledge in conducting and/or using systematic reviews as well as the basic principles of evidence-based healthcare, and the critical appraisal of research studies, especially RCTs
Skill Level: Introductory
Target Audience: Systematic review authors, guideline developers, health and social care professionals, academics, researchers, postgraduate students, decision makers, Evidence Synthesis Ireland Fellows and other professionals
Facilitators:
Dr Nuala Livingstone (Senior Quality Assurance Editor, Cochrane Editorial and Methods Department)
Dr K.M. Saif-Ur-Rahman (Senior Methodologist, Evidence Synthesis Ireland)
Philipp Kapp (Researcher, Institute for Evidence in Medicine, University of Freiburg)
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18 (Thursday) 10:00 am - 19 (Friday) 4:00 pm Irish Standard Time, UTC +1
University of Galway
University Road
Background: This series of workshops will provide reviewers, at the beginning of their journey in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) with a comprehensive overview of the methodology and
Background:
This series of workshops will provide reviewers, at the beginning of their journey in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) with a comprehensive overview of the methodology and methods including a Cochrane QES reviews. The series will offer insights into the development of a protocol, introducing participants to the methods of question generation, identification of included studies, data extraction and synthesis, the GRADECERQual assessment of confidence in the findings, and presentation the review for dissemination.
Aim:
The purpose of these workshops is to familarise all participants with the steps involved in conducting a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis.
We have designed these workshops as a companion series to allow attendees to apply what they have learned, enabling them to gain practical experience before progressing to the next stage of the process.
Objective:
The objectives of the workshops are intended to provide participants with an understanding of the methods of QES and equip them with the practical skills needed to conduct such a syntheses effectively.
Workshop 1: will provide an Introduction to QES, including overview. We will explore how you can focus your review question and search for qualitative evidence.
Workshop 2: will highlight the methods of screening and inclusion processes including selecting studies. We will demonstrate how data are extracted for a QES and a Quality Assessment is conducted.
Workshop 3: will delve into choosing a method of synthesis, and demonstrate how to synthesisinse qualitative data and present the findings
Workshop 4: we will illustrate the process of conducting an assessment of confidence in the findings of the QES using the GRADECERQual approach, and explore methods of writing up a review for dissemination.
Learning outcomes:
The learning outcomes for participants in this series should support them to:
Teaching strategies:
The workshops will consist of a mixture of short presentations and discussions led by members of the ESI Teaching Faculty, covering each of the methods of a QES. Breakout rooms will be used for small group activities based around worked examples and exercises. These activities will provide participants with the opportunity to discuss and develop their own skills and understanding. Participants will also be provided with a reading list and additional resources.
Places: 30 places available for individuals who are resident on the island of Ireland
Overall fee: General €120; Student €60
Skill level: Introductory
Prerequisites: Knowledge of qualitative research methodologies and methods
Target Audience:
Facilitators
Prof. Pauline Meskell, Head of Department of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Limerick
Dr Linda Biesty, Associate Professor (Midwifery), University of Galway
*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at esi@universityofgalway.ie
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(Tuesday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
ONLINE
Background: As for any healthcare intervention, medical tests require thorough evaluation. Identifying the accuracy of a test is a key step in the evaluation process. Understanding other ways in which tests
Background:
As for any healthcare intervention, medical tests require thorough evaluation. Identifying the accuracy of a test is a key step in the evaluation process. Understanding other ways in which tests affect the clinical management of patients is also important – a new test may be more acceptable to patients, easier to administer, or provide a faster diagnosis or treatment.
The accuracy of a test is a measure of how well it differentiates those with a disease or condition from those who do not. Different, sometimes complex, study designs can be used to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. Measures of accuracy are also not fixed properties of a test and may not be transferable across different populations and settings. A systematic review aims to provide an overview of currently available evidence about a test’s diagnostic accuracy. A basic understanding of study designs, potential sources of bias, and factors that might affect the applicability of a study’s findings, are essential to ensure that the included studies answer a relevant review question.
Aim
To provide an introduction to systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy.
Objectives:
The objective of this workshop is to provide an understanding of study designs to evaluate the accuracy of a test and the essential components of a systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy.
Learning outcomes
In this course participants will be enabled to:
The workshop does not cover how to conduct a meta-analysis of test accuracy studies.
Date: 29th April 2024
Time: 10.00 am – 12.00 pm
Places: 30 places available for individuals who are resident on the island of Ireland
Fee: General €50; Student €25
Skill level: Introductory
Target Audience: Healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, decision makers, librarians, information specialists, and Evidence Synthesis Ireland fellows and teaching faculty who would like to learn more about DTA reviews
Facilitator
Jac Dinnes, PhD
Senior Research Fellow in Test Evaluation
Test and Prediction group, Institute of Applied Research,
University of Birmingham UK
*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at esi@universityofgalway.ie
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(Monday) 10:00 am - 12:00 pm UTC
ONLINE
may 2024
To register, click here Integrating the findings of a qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) with the findings of a review of intervention effects can offer many insights
To register, click here
Integrating the findings of a qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) with the findings of a review of intervention effects can offer many insights including potential reasons for variation in intervention outcomes. QES often generate theories and explanations for why and how interventions work from the perspectives of those delivering or using them; by integrating these theories with evidence on intervention effects, review teams can offer vital information to support implementation of review findings in practice settings. However guidance on the difficult task of integrating the different evidence types is limited and there are few worked examples of methods for integration. In this webinar Katy will illustrate a wide range of different options for integrating QES and intervention evidence, drawing on real integration examples. Through these examples Katy will illustrate the diversity of integration methods and tools and critically examine their strengths and limitations.
Dr Katy Sutcliffe is an Associate Professor at the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Coordination Centre (EPPI Centre), Institute of Education, University College London. She is the Deputy Director of the London-York NIHR Policy Reviews Facility which produces research syntheses to support the Department of Health and Social Care’s policy decisions. Katy specialises in developing systematic review methods for producing policy-relevant evidence, in particular qualitative and mixed-methods evidence syntheses and approaches for identifying the key ingredients and underlying mechanisms of interventions.
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(Thursday) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
ONLINE
june 2024
Background One of the key features of all evidence synthesis is to conduct a systematic search. Systematic literature searching requires that we plan and run searches in a way that ensures
Background
One of the key features of all evidence synthesis is to conduct a systematic search. Systematic literature searching requires that we plan and run searches in a way that ensures clarity, validity and reliability. Documenting the searching process is vital to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
Aim
This workshop provides attendees with the knowledge and skills to conduct a basic systematic search of the literature including designing and running searches on key databases and identifying and selecting search filters.
Learning outcomes
In this course, participants will be enabled to:
Dates: 21st June 2024
Time: 09:00 – 16:00
Location: Durkan Theatre, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8
Places: 30 available for individuals who are resident in Ireland & Northern Ireland
Skill Level: Introductory
Target Audience
Healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, decision makers, librarians, information specialists, and Evidence Synthesis Ireland fellows and teaching faculty who would like to learn more about systematic searching.
Teaching Strategies
The workshop will consist of a mixture of short presentations and small group activities with practical exercises. Please bring along your laptop for the exercises. Questions and discussion are encouraged. A short reading list/activity list will be sent to enrolled attendees in advance of the session.
Facilitator
Julie Glanville, an independent consultant and trainer in information retrieval. Julie has worked in systematic reviews for more than 25 years as Associate Director of York Health Economics Consortium (YHEC) (2008-2019) and Associate Director at the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD), University of York (1994 – 2008). Julie was a co-convenor of the Cochrane Information Retrieval Methods Group and is a co-author of the Cochrane Handbook chapter on searching for evidence and the 2020 PRISMA guidance.
*If your type of ticket is sold out, please join the waitlist or contact us at esi@nuigalway.ie
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(Friday) 9:00 am - 4:00 pm UTC+1
Durkan Theatre, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8
If you find the charge for places a barrier to attending: