School of Nursing and Midwifery
Queen’s University Belfast
Doctorate in Nursing Practice/
Doctorate in Midwifery Practice
Systematic Reviewing
DNP 9002
Semester 2
2012
1
Module Coordinator:
Contact details:
Dr Bronagh Blackwood
Tel:
+44 (0) 28 9097 2492
Email: b.blackwood@qub.ac.uk
Skype: bronagh.blackwood
Introduction:
This module is one of three core research modules on the doctorate programme. It
provides an introduction to the theory and practice of systematic reviewing: a key
transferable skill for professionals studying at this level. Students will explore the
range of existing approaches and methods for research synthesis for study designs
that include qualitative and quantitative data. Students will also consider the role
played by systematic reviews within evidence-informed decision-making. This
module will contribute to the overall programme objectives by enabling students to
develop a protocol for a systematic review of the literature for their thesis.
Course Contents
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Theoretical and practical process of systematic reviewing
Question formulation in systematic reviews
Developing a search strategy
Finding and retrieving evidence
Managing evidence references
Critical appraisal of models and frameworks (CASP; Joanna Briggs;
Cochrane risk of bias; GRADE evidence)
Criteria to determine the selection of studies
Design of eligibility and data extraction forms
Qualitative reviews
Analysis if trials; assessing heterogeneity
Summarizing evidence (meta-analysis; meta-synthesis)
Discussing the applicability of findings
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:
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Demonstrate ability to formulate advanced search questions.
Critically interpret the potential for publication and related biases.
Retrieve relevant literature using a rigorous search strategy.
Appraisal the quality and robustness of research studies.
Manage references using RefWorks.
Develop a data extraction form.
Demonstrate ability to write an advanced systematic review protocol.
2
Teaching and learning
This module is delivered entirely by distance learning, with no requirement for
students to attend the University. Teaching will focus on the core knowledge and
skills necessary for the preparation of a research proposal for an evaluation of an
innovative intervention in an area of advanced practice. The wider learning
outcomes of the module will be met through self-directed learning (180 hours) and
on-line discussion.
Students will need reliable access to the internet as all relevant materials will be
made available to students online, using a range of print and audio-visual media.
Contact with lecturers and supervisors will be by email, online discussion forum, and
other means of telecommunication (e.g. Skype).
Compulsory Elements
Successful completion of a 5000 word assignment that presents a systematic review
protocol.
What is expected of you
In this module you are expected to:
1. Actively engage in the online discussion forum. Your contribution will
be monitored by me as it is a useful forum for gaining information,
determining your understanding and enabling you to pose queries and
stay in touch with the other course participants
2. Keep up to date with your study schedule because the course is time
driven.
3. Submit your discussion topic responses and assignment tasks by
the deadlines provided.
Core Text
Glasziou P, Irwig L, Bain C and Colditz (2001). Systematic Reviews in Healthcare.
Cambridge University Press.
[This core introductory text is a readable guide to all aspects of question formulation]
Cooper H, Hedges LV, and Valentine JC (editors) (2009). The Handbook of
Research Synthesis and Meta-Analysis, Second Edition. New York, Russell Sage
Foundation. [This is available as a Google Book at:
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=lriaeN3fSAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=cooper+hedges+and+valentine&source=bl&ots=WUu
3wWQVm3&sig=v3Vf5aThsHSQDyczwyWYgCFGnw&hl=en&ei=v8NJTOubJZTNjAenvYWxDg&sa=X&oi=book_r
esult&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false ]
3
Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of
Interventions Version 5.0.2 [updated September 2009]. The Cochrane Collaboration,
2009. Available from http://www.cochrane-handbook.org
[These guidelines are used by the reviewers in the Cochrane Collaboration and
contain detailed information about the review process]
Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual (2008). Available at
http://www.joannabriggs.edu.au/pdf/JBIReviewManual_CiP11449.pdf
Webb C, Roe B (2007) Reviewing Research Evidence for Nursing Practice:
Systematic Reviews. Oxford, Blackwell Wiley.
Torgerson, Carole (2003) Systematic Reviews. London, New York, Continuum.
The focus of this book is on systematic reviews & meta-analyses of RCTs in
educational research.
Contents of Resource Folders - January 2012
Name
Contents
Folder (1) Introduction
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Folders 1 to 4 to be completed between
30 Jan to 12 Feb
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – READ FIRST (doc)
Introduction from Dr Bronagh Blackwood (video)
Introduction to Dr Peter O’Halloran (video)
How to use the resources (video)
How to use the discussion forum (video)
How to use wikis (doc)
Online discussion topic 1 – tell me about yourself (doc)
Making effective contributions to online discussions
(PDF)
9. Netiquette (doc)
10. QOL Virtual Learning Environment (PDF)
11. Nursing PG Handbook (PDF)
Folder (2) Overview
1. An overview of the module by Dr Bronagh Blackwood
(video)
2. Overview of the module (ppt)
3. Module Booklet
4. Online discussion topic 2 – tell me about your project
Folder (3) Assessment
1.
2.
3.
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5.
6.
7.
Assessment guidelines
Referencing style instructions (doc)
Student guidance avoiding plagiarism (PDF)
Turnitin quick guide (PDF)
Turnitin student manual (PDF)
JAN 2009 Blackwood protocol
JAN 2010 McColgan & Blackwood protocol
Folder (4) What is a SR
1.
2.
3.
4.
Presentation - What is a SR? (video)
Slides – Formulating a good review question (ppt)
What is a SR Workbook (doc) Wiki assignment
Reading - What is series…what is a systematic review?
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Folder (5) How to write a SR question
To be completed between
13 and 19 Feb
Folder (6) Searching the literature
To be completed between
20 Feb and 4 Mar
Folder (7) Study eligibility
To be completed between
5and 11 Mar
Folder (8) Extracting data
To be completed between
12 and 25 Mar
Folder (9) Quality assessment
To be completed between
26 Mar and 30 Mar
Folder (10) Introduction to analysis of
trials
To be completed between
23 and 29 Apr
Folder (11) Summarizing the evidence
To be completed between
30 Apr and 11 May
Folder (12) Module evaluation
1. Presentation on writing a SR question (video)
2. Writing a SR question (ppt)
3. Writing a SR question Workbook (doc) Background &
review question assignment
4. Reading - Cochrane Module 5 – Writing the protocol &
defining the question (PDF)
1.
2.
3.
4.
The search strategy workbook (doc)
Searching the Cochrane Library (video)
Cochrane Module 6 – Searching for studies (PDF)
Reading - Searching for evidence & critical appraisal
(PDF)
5. Reading - RefWorks Practical (PDF)
1. Study eligibility Workbook (doc) Design eligibility form
assignment
2. Presentation - Identifying eligible studies (audio)
3. Slides – Selecting the right study (ppt)
4. Reading - Cochrane Module 8 – Selecting studies (PDF)
1. Presentation on extracting data (audio)
2. Slides - extracting data (ppt)
3. Extracting data Workbook (doc) Design a data
extraction form assignment
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6.
Presentation - quality assessment (audio)
Slides - quality assessment (ppt)
Risk of Bias Workbook Wiki assignment
Workshop article - Krishnan 2004 (PDF)
Reading - CRD Quality Assessment (PDF)
Reading - Juni 2001 (PDF)
1. Introduction to analysis of trials (audio)
2. Introduction to analysis of trials (ppt)
3. Introduction to analysis of trials workbook
1. Summarizing the evidence (audio)
2. Summarizing the evidence (ppt)
3. Summarizing the evidence workbook
1. Student evaluation form
Submit after assignment submission
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