The Introduction to Systematic Reviews and Critical Appraisal Course is an online course offering an in-depth introduction to systematic reviews and evidence synthesis methods. Based on research in health care topics, the course is suitable for people from any role or discipline with an interest in learning about the systematic review process, including health care professionals, students, researchers and decision or policy makers.

Course Description

This is an introductory course, aimed at anyone interested in undertaking a systematic review for the first time, or understanding how to critically appraise a systematic review to inform treatment or policy decisions.

The Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) predominantly works in healthcare research, and examples throughout the course will draw on our expertise in that area. The focus of the course is on systematic reviews of interventions, rather than reviews of qualitative data. However, the course is suitable for anyone with an interest in systematic reviewing, regardless of their role or discipline.

The course is designed to be interactive and give plenty of opportunity for interaction and discussion with experts and other learners in your groups, so you really have a chance to apply and strengthen your learning. Throughout there will be opportunities for ‘ask the expert’ clinics and ‘question & answer’ sessions with tutors to discuss your specific learning or research questions. There will also be group work and other interactive exercises for you to complete alongside your peers.